Sydney Swans unveil special guernsey for sixth annual Pride Game

The Sydney Swans have unveiled the custom guernsey they will wear for next month’s Pride Game against the St. Kilda Saints.

Lance Franklin and Callum Mills in the new Pride guernsey. Picture: Michael Willson / AFL Photos

The Sydney Swans have unveiled their jumper for their sixth annual Pride Game against St. Kilda.

Since 2016, the Swans and Saints have met annually for the Pride Game but this year’s clash – scheduled for round 21 – will mark the first time the Swans have worn a custom guernsey for the occasion. The side will also sport rainbow socks.

“Our Pride guernsey reflects the importance of being an inclusive club and we want everyone to feel welcome at the football,” said Swans CEO Tom Harley.

“We’re thrilled to introduce our new Pride guernsey which reflects on our connection and commitment to the LGBTIQ community.

“Pride Game is always a highlight on the calendar and although we can’t be at the SCG with our members and fans this year, we know our supporter base will come together to celebrate, no matter where the game is held.

“It’s exciting to be able to launch this guernsey and I look forward to seeing the team run out in it against the Saints in Round 21.”

Nike partnered with the Swans to design this year’s jersey, as worn by Lance Franklin and Callum Mills. Picture: Michael Willson / AFL Photos

In the 2015 pre-season, the Swans and Dockers met at Drummoyne Oval for the first Pride Game.

Pride Game became a contest for premiership points the following year, when the Saints and Swans clashed at Docklands Stadium. Ever since, it has been a highlight of the AFL calendar and an example of the league’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

In 2018, the Swans won an Australian LGBTI Award in the Community Initiative/Charity category for hosting the 2017 fixture, which was attended by a crowd of 35,773.

A total of 133,101 people attended the first five Pride Games, with the AFL hoping to build on that tally in 2021.

The country’s evolving Covid-19 situation has meant the AFL has not yet announced the venue for this year’s clash.

Sydney has a strong record in Pride Games, emerging from four of the first five victorious.

The Saints have worn jerseys with rainbow numbers for all but one of the side’s Pride Games. Picture: Tracey Nearmy / AAP Image

As the regular season reaches its pointy end, the Swans and Saints will enter this season’s Pride Game with varying playoffs forecasts.

The Swans are all but guaranteed a place in the finals and could reach the top four for the first time since 2016 if they continue their winning ways over the next month.

The outlook isn’t so rosy for the Saints.

Despite losing its last two games and slumping to an 8-10 record, St Kilda is still a chance to make the finals this season, but its fate will likely depend on the results of the other sides in the logjam at the middle of the AFL ladder.