TOYOTA AFL FINALS SERIES EXCLUSIVE LUNCH

Business Sydney, Business Western Sydney and the AFL came together for our exclusive annual lunch celebrating the 2026 Toyota AFL Finals Series. 

Held on the eve of the AFL’s inaugural Wildcard Finals Round, the afternoon brought together business, government and sporting leaders to look ahead to an exciting new chapter for the competition, with the premiership race expanding from eight to ten teams. 

The afternoon commenced with a Welcome to Country from Brendan Kerin, Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council. 

Guests then heard from Dr Marjorie O’Neill MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Transport and Member for Coogee, who shared her insights ahead of the 2026 Toyota AFL Finals Series and the important role sport plays in bringing communities together. 

We were delighted to hear from Matthew Pavlich, Chief Executive Officer, Sydney Swans, and Tim Reed, President, GWS GIANTS, who provided their perspectives on the upcoming finals series and the continued growth and excitement surrounding AFL in Sydney. 

A highlight of the afternoon was an engaging panel discussion, facilitated by Mel McLaughlin, Seven Network Sports Presenter, featuring:

• Guy ‘Bluey’ McKenna, West Coast Eagles Legend, Inaugural Gold Coast SUNS Coach
• Stephen Coniglio, GWS GIANTS Player
• Ryan O’Keefe, Former Sydney Swans AFL Player

 The panel shared fascinating insights and reflections on the game, the upcoming finals series and the continued growth of AFL across Sydney and New South Wales. 

Our thanks to Houri Tapiki, General Manager, Theatre Royal Sydney, for delivering the vote of thanks and helping to bring the formalities to a close. 

Finally, our sincere thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to such an enjoyable afternoon as we celebrated the 2026 Toyota AFL Finals Series and showcased Sydney’s strong passion and support for the game.