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Everything You Need to Know About AFLW’s Pride Round
The NAB AFLW has always been about celebrating diversity and inclusion, and why shouldn’t it? It’s a sport that literally everyone — no matter who they love or how they identify — can get behind.
And, to back up what they preach, the NAB AFLW competition is currently in the midst of its fifth annual Pride Round, where all things LGBTQIA+ are championed and celebrated.
What exactly is AFLW’s Pride Round?
Well, in Week 7 of the competition, NAB AFLW has gone full rainbow in name of spotlighting diversity and celebrating all the LGBTQIA+ community do for the sport and how the community contributes to the AFLW’s growing success.
And when we say the league has gone full rainbow, we mean it.
During Pride Round, the famously red Sherrin features a rainbow. On top of that, each of the league’s 18 teams are all rocking specially designed pride guernseys to show solidarity with and support for the cause.
But it’s not just the players. AFLW field and boundary umpires are wearing rainbow-coloured sweatbands (need a pair of those ASAP) and the goal umpires have dropped the white flag in favour of the Pride flag. And ground signage has been updated with a special, rainbow NAB logo and the 50-metre arcs have also been painted rainbow.
See? Full rainbow.
NAB AFLW are making donations from the Pride Round merch royalties to LGBTQIA+ charities, including the legends at Minus18, focusing on LGBTQIA+ youth, and Pride in Sport, who are all about championing inclusion in sport.
When is NAB AFLW’s Pride Round in 2024?
In 2024, Pride Round kicked off on Tuesday, October 8 and will end on Sunday, October 13. All 18 teams will be participating, but there are some key matches taking place this weekend that we think you should consider heading to.
Friday, October 11: Western Bulldogs vs. Essendon
Taking place at Melbourne’s Mission Whitten Oval, this match is a great example of how AFLW is championing the queer community. While first bounce is at 7:35pm (local time), there’s so many activities that the whole family can enjoy. After all, Pride Round is all about everyone coming together, from players to fans to allies, and honouring the diversity that makes this game so great.
There’ll be family friendly drag performances, three more drag queens on Gaywatch chairs, two rainbow stilt walkers, a Pride Patrol truck and a post-match DJ performance. If you’re after a fun Friday night out, look no further than this match.
Saturday, October 12: Brisbane Lions vs. Gold Coast SUNS
Besides diversity and inclusion, another thing that really strengthens the NAB AFLW competition is the rivalry. It’s all about showing up and supporting your team, even if your mate, or partner, is rallying behind the other team.
The NAB AFLW has fewer rivalries as strong and as passionate as that of the Brisbane Lions and the Gold Coast SUNS, so why not get swept away in the enthusiasm at Brisbane’s Brighton Homes Arena this Saturday? There’s no one type of AFLW fan — this is a sport for everyone, and everyone should feel welcome to sport their team’s colours and cheer them on however they wish.
Sunday, October 13: North Melbourne Kangaroos vs. Sydney Swans
While this match sees North Melbourne and Sydney go head-to-head, it’s actually taking place at Tasmania’s North Hobart Oval. This means it is the first time fans will be able to watch an AFLW match in Hobart this year — did we mention this is a sport for everyone?
And if there’s any match those in Hobart should see, it’s this one. You get to experience first-hand the thrill of watching the league’s best while also getting the chance to buy special merch that goes to a great cause.
So if you’re after an inclusive, supporting day or night out, head to the W. With tickets only $15, and kids under 18 getting in for free, there’s no better time to support the NAB AFLW and the LGBTQIA+ community as well!
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