GWS Giants midfielder Haneen Zreika to sit out AFLW Pride Round again due to religious reasons

Haneen Zreika has held firm on her stance to represent her community and not wear the GWS Giants’ AFLW Pride Round guernsey this weekend.

GWS midfielder Haneen Zreika has again made the decision to sit out the Giants’ Pride Round match.

Zreika has made herself unavailable for the Giants’ trip to take on Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval on Saturday afternoon.

The AFLW is celebrating Pride Round this weekend with all 18 clubs set to wear jumpers that celebrate and commemorate the queer community.

The industrious midfielder, who leads the Giants for tackles this season, has made clear her stance in the past on wearing the Pride guernsey.

As a practising Muslim, Zreika has previously stated she felt as though she had a responsibility to her community to not wear the jumper.

“Inclusion is about creating a space where people are able to respect their right to choose how they live their life as long as they don’t advocate hate and division,” Zreika said in January 2022.

Zreika is seen as a role model for her community and made history as the first Australian Muslim woman to play in the AFLW.

All players and staff at the Giants respect the decision made by the 24-year-old, and Zreika herself is supportive of her teammates wearing the guernsey on Saturday.

The midfielder has been one of the shining lights for GWS in a season where they have only won two matches.

She has already set a career-high for disposals, while has doubled her tackle average, including 17 against the Blues in round eight.

GWS players Katherine Smith and Rebecca Beeson show of their 2023 Pride guernsey. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Zreika’s omission is one of two changes to the Giants’ side for their final match of the AFLW season.

Georgia Garnett will return to the side after being ruled out of their clash against the Suns with a knee injury.

Madi Brazendale will also return for her first game since round two, replacing Isadora McLeay.

The game will also serve as a farewell to AFLW legend Erin Phillips, with the Giants hoping to end their season on a high by spoiling Port Adelaide’s celebrations.