The 2026 Marn Grook Match
29 July 2026
Grey skies and rain did little to dampen the atmosphere as GO once again joined the Sydney Swans as Match Day partner for the annual Marn Grook Match. Taking place during the AFL’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round, the game brought together GO Scholars, Alumni, partners, supporters and staff for the Swans’ clash against Collingwood at the SCG.
Before the first bounce, guests gathered for the pre-match function, enjoying live music from Gomeroi woman and GO Alum Aurielle Smith. Guests also heard from GO’s very own Aliesha Newman and Michael O’Loughlin, both former Sydney Swans players, who shared stories from their football journeys and beyond.
But the excitement really picked up when GO Scholars stepped into the heart of the action! From watching the Sydney Swans warm up from the boundary line to running out as junior mascots alongside the team, Scholars had the opportunity to experience the magic of game day up close.
One of those moments was when GO Scholar Bowen stepped out in front of thousands of people to do the coin toss – it’s an experience he won’t forget any time soon!
WATCH BOWEN'S EXPERIENCE BELOW
Quarter time saw GO Scholars take centre stage once again, running onto the field for the Quarter Time Relay alongside AFLW stars Alice Mitchell, Sarah Grunden and Sarah Steele-Park.
With GO’s branding lighting up the SCG thanks to Toyota’s donation of in-stadium signage, the game itself was a nail-biter. But in the end, the Swans came away with an 85–75 win.
Thank you to the Sydney Swans and Toyota for their support in making the day what it was – a celebration of culture and community. We’re already looking forward to next year!