AFL welcomes first AFLW Pride Round
The AFL has officially launched the inaugural 2021 AFLW Pride Round this week for Round Two of the 2021 NAB AFLW competition.
As part of the dedicated round, all AFL Umpires will wear rainbow-coloured sweatbands, while Goal Umpires will exchange their traditional white flags for rainbow ones.
In addition, the official NAB AFLW competition logo will swap its iconic coral coloured emblem for a rainbow one in celebration of the round, while all 50-metre arc ground markings will also be painted rainbow for the occasion.
Head of Women’s Football Nicole Livingstone said the inaugural Pride Round is an opportunity to celebrate the inclusiveness of the NAB AFLW competition.
“We are proud to formally celebrate a Pride Round across the NAB AFLW competition in Round Two and we recognise the leadership of the Carlton and Western Bulldogs Football Clubs who have paved the way with the Pride Game over recent years,” Ms Livingstone said.
“Where we can be more celebratory, where we can be more inclusive, where we can give back to the community, we will.”
AFL Executive General Manager for Inclusion and Social Policy Tanya Hosch said the inaugural Pride Round reflects the competition’s commitment to being a sport for all.
“The creation of Pride Round is another step towards being a more inclusive game, celebrating the contributions of all who contribute to AFLW and ensuring our game is a place of welcome for everyone,” Ms Hosch said.
“We hope the dedicated round is a reflection of our commitment to being a more inclusive sport and we look forward to seeing fans embrace Pride Round throughout the weekend.”
The inaugural AFLW Pride Round is one of three dedicated rounds that will be celebrated across the 2021 NAB AFLW Season, with the first AFLW Indigenous Round to be held in Round Five and Toyota Good For Footy Round to follow in Round Nine.
The GIANTS will take on the Crows as part of a revised second round fixture with the match to be held at Blacktown International Sportspark this Sunday at 5.10pm.
The round two game will be the GIANTS’ first home game of the season and follows lengthy discussions between the AFL, both clubs and their respective State Governments to ensure the match is a COVID-safe event.
Both teams have been in self isolation and abiding by State Government directions following their round one games in Perth.
The match will be available live on Foxtel, Kayo, AFLW Online site, AFL Telstra TV App, AFLW and AFL Official Apps.
GIANTS matches are also broadcast live into NSW and the ACT free-to-air on 7mate.
