As the Sydney Swans prepare to face Collingwood this Sunday afternoon at Henson Park, we reflect on what exactly Pride means to the AFLW playing group.
The Swans AFLW team will host their first Pride Game since they arrived in the competition last year, although wore the Pride guernsey in an away fixture against Essendon.
Pride Game is a celebration of inclusion and diversity, and aims to ensure everyone feels welcome at the footy.
Lisa Steane spoke of the the importance of the Pride Game and promoting inclusivity in the AFLW community.
“It is an honor to represent the queer community, and being a part of the queer community, I think it is a very special round to be able to play and feel as though everybody is seen and heard, and everybody is accepted no matter who they are,” said Steane.
Meanwhile, Rebecca Privitelli, who is enjoying career-best form in 2023 with 11 goals and 33 marks in just eight appearances, reflected on the impact Pride Game has had on the Swans in recent years and the the progression of Pride in the community.
Ever since the club played their first official Pride Game during a pre-season fixture in 2015, the red and white has been immersed in the Pride community having also featured in six Mardi Gras Parades.
“Pride has been a really big part of the Swans for a long time, and the support that the Swans have given in the rainbow community has been incredible," Privitelli said.
“It’s a really important round, I’m really proud to play in it, and proud that we have progressed to this stage”, says Privitelli.
"It is a really important round, we are excited, the jumpers look great, and we are ready for a really good day at Henson Park."
Montana Ham and Bella Smith also spoke of the privilege of donning the Pride guernsey in Round 9.
"It's awesome to see how far it has come, and if you look into the community and into the grandstand (of our games), you see people being accepted for who they are and everyone is welcome," Ham said.
"That's the beautiful thing about it."
"I suppose Pride means that everyone is welcome at the games, and highlight inclusivity,' Smith said.
"It's just a big celebration and fun to be a part of"
This Sunday will be the last home-and-away match for the Swans at their home ground at Henson Park.
“We love playing at Henson, we love the hill filling up. I’m really excited to play there and celebrate Pride,” says Smith.
This season has seen Henson Park oval filled with red and white, and the girls are hoping fans will come out one last time to help cheer them on against Collingwood and celebrate Pride.
The Sydney Swans host Collingwood in their final home game at Henson Park on Sunday afternoon! Tickets are just $10, while juniors can come for FREE*.
“Our fans are amazing; I reckon we have the best fans in the league. They definitely show up for us, they’re loud and we can definitely draw off that energy and that atmosphere. We love having them there, so it makes home games a little bit more special,” said Ham.
After their record-breaking win against Bulldogs last week, Swans are hoping for the momentum to carry on for the match on Sunday.
“We’re ready. We had a tough week two weeks ago and I think we responded well last week, and we are going to have another solid week on the track this week and we are ready to take on Collingwood”, said Ham.
“I know that it is going to be a really tough game, but we have a bit of momentum coming off the Doggies. If we play how I know we can, I know we can get the job done”, says Steane.
The club is looking forward to Sunday’s clash against Collingwood, but most importantly, looking forward to celebrating Pride within the AFLW community.
