The Swans and Fremantle will play in the first AFL-sanctioned pride match. 

The Sydney Swans and Fremantle will compete in the AFL's first pride match next Sunday, March 15 at Drummoyne Oval.

The match will be a great opportunity to raise awareness of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community and prevent homophobia.

The 50-metre arc, goal post pads and goal umpire flags will be decorated in rainbow colours for the game.

Swans ruckman Mike Pyke, who will be part of Saturday’s Mardi Gras celebrations alongside teammate Nick Smith and other sports stars to promote gender equality, said it’s a great initiative and something the club is proud to support.

“Equality right throughout the community and in sport is something we should all strive for,” Pyke said.

“We think the Swans provide a really inclusive environment for fans at our games, we know we have significant support from the LGBT community.

“This is just another way of getting the message across that professional sport encourages an inclusive environment.

“Mardi Gras is a huge part of Sydney’s culture and we are excited to be part of it.”

AFL football operations manager Mark Evans said the inclusive nature of the Australian game lent itself to the idea.

"The AFL is proud to be hosting this game, and in doing so we are saying to our community that we want to be part of change in Australia," Evans said. 

"Diversity and inclusion is essential to our game. We say 'no matter who you are, where you are from or who you love, we can all love footy'."

The Swans and Fremantle match will be played on Sunday, March 15 at 4.10pm. Purchase your tickets here.