THE AFL's commitment to being a more inclusive sport will be celebrated this week, with the return of its annual NAB AFLW Pride Round.
Held in week seven of the NAB AFLW competition between Tuesday 8 and Sunday 13 October, this year marks the fifth occasion the League will hold a dedicated round that celebrates and supports diversity and inclusion of LGBTQI+ communities in Australian Football, acknowledging their contributions to the strength and growing success of the League.
As part of this year's Pride Round, a rainbow will feature on the iconic Sherrin for the second consecutive year, while all 18 AFLW clubs will wear specially designed Pride guernseys.
AFLW field and boundary umpires will wear rainbow-coloured sweatbands and goal umpires will swap their traditional white flags for the Pride flag.
Ground signage will be updated to celebrate the round with the NAB logo adopting a rainbow theme, while the 50m arcs will be painted rainbow for the occasion.
The AFL will make donations from the Pride Round merchandise royalties to LGBTQI+ lead organisations, including Minus18, an advocacy charity improving the lives of LGBTQI+ youth.
AFL Executive General Manager Inclusion and Social Policy, Tanya Hosch said Pride Round is a powerful platform for inclusion.
"AFLW Pride Round is a time for everyone – players, fans, and allies – to come together and embrace the diversity that strengthens our game," Ms Hosch said.
"Through our partnerships with organisations such as Pride in Sport and Minus18, the AFL continues to build our capability and understanding of what it means to be a sport for all.
"We know that young LGBTQI+ people are half as likely to be part of a sporting club than non-LGBTQI+ youth, while 80 per cent of participants in Australian sport have witnessed or experienced homophobia.
"As a sport, we need to do our part to change this. There is no place for homophobia, transphobia, or biphobia in our community, or in our game.
"We hope that the annual NAB AFLW Pride Round is one way people can feel comfortable being involved in sport and sends a powerful message to Australia that everyone is welcome, fans and athletes alike, just as they are."
NAB AFLW Pride Round will see a number of blockbuster games played across the country, including the annual QClash between the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast SUNS on Saturday at Brighton Homes Arena.
Tasmanian fans will enjoy the return of AFLW football with Sunday's match between North Melbourne and the Sydney Swans a first at North Hobart Oval this year, while the Western Bulldogs will host Essendon for the marquee Pride Round match on Friday night featuring a host of entertainment including a Pride Patrol Truck, family friendly drag performances and giveaways.
General Manager AFLW Emma Moore said the NAB AFLW Pride Round is one fans don't want to miss.
"Pride Round has always been a highlight of the NAB AFLW fixture and plays a major role in breaking down barriers, promoting acceptance and provides a platform for conversations about inclusion both on and off the field," Ms Moore said.
"This week's matches will not only celebrate inclusion but will provide a stack of blockbuster matches for fans to soak up as we edge closer to the upcoming NAB AFLW Finals Series next month.
"With a host of family friendly entertainment on offer and a wealth of football to enjoy, there's no better time for fans to snap up a ticket, embrace the festivities and head down to their local venue."
"Pride Round is one of two dedicated rounds celebrated across the 2024 NAB AFLW competition, alongside AFLW Indigenous Round which will be held in Weeks 9-10.
Tickets to NAB AFLW matches are $15 for adults and FREE for kids under 18.
Visit womens.afl/tickets for tickets, or watch all the football action on the Seven Network, 7plus, Foxtel and Kayo.
