Sydney players touch on the ‘privilege’ of wearing the Pride guernsey

The Swans have been one of the fiercest supporters of Pride inclusion in the AFL, and the significance of wearing the rainbow guernsey isn’t lost on their AFLW players.

The Swans will run out in their Pride guernsey for their home clash against Collingwood. Picture: Phil Hillyard

The significance of running out in a pride guernsey will never be lost on Lisa Steane.

For the Swans’ defender, when she pulls on the rainbow jumper and socks this Sunday at Henson Park, she knows she is representing more than just the club she plays for.

“I always feel really honoured to wear this guernsey and to be asked to participate and to speak on behalf of a large playing group where a lot of people do identify as part of the queer community,” Steane said.

“I hope I’m doing them justice and I feel really privileged to be able to speak on behalf of the community and spread awareness and have those important conversations that need to be had.”

Wearing the Swans’ Pride guernsey carries extra meaning for Steane. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The AFLW’s official Pride round isn’t for another week, but the Swans have opted to run out in their rainbow guernsey this weekend to provide their home fans with a chance to celebrate.

It’s not only an opportunity for Steane to reflect on her own journey, but to also champion those who have had a much different path.

“On a personal level, I’m very lucky,” Steane said.

“Things have changed a lot in the last few years. I was very late in my journey to the queer community, and when I came out, I was instantly accepted by all my friends, my family and everybody.

“I’ll be wearing it and just feeling a sense of acceptance, pride in who I am and who my teammates are.

“I know a lot of people whose story isn’t like mine, and they haven’t been as blessed and lucky as I have. They’ve had some really tumultuous times, and I will be wearing it on behalf of them and representing that community and hopefully doing them proud with the way that we play.”

As a club, the Swans have a strong history of connecting with the queer community. Their men’s side take on St Kilda in the annual Pride Game and they also have a big presence as part of Sydney’s Mardi Gras parade.

For younger players, establishing that level of inclusivity is important.

“I think having a club that embraces both the W program as well as the Pride Round is something special to be a part of,” Bella Smith said.

“You saw us take part in the Mardi Gras which we’ve done for many years now and it was so fun.

“It’s a supportive culture that means everyone can do their best. You feel so embraced and everything is valued.”

That value is shared by Swans fans who have embraced their AFLW side in record numbers.

Despite their winless first season, Sydney had the most AFLW members in the competition last year (7,757). That theme has carried on in 2023 as they hold an impressive average crowd figure of 4,365.

Henson Park is set to be packed to the rafters again on Sunday for the match against Collingwood. Picture: Matt King/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

With an inaugural finals appearance on the line and those numbers set to be replicated at Henson Park on Sunday, the Swans won’t be lacking motivation for their Pride celebration.

“We are so lucky that the Bloods culture is so strong, and it runs through the community,” Steane said. “To have them all there supporting us means the world.

“The fact that finals is even something that we are speaking about is amazing. I knew that we could get there, but it’s a testament to the hard work we have all put in in the off-season.

“If we play well, we can make finals, so we just have to do our job out there.”