Standing for something is the reason for AFLW pride round

Pride rounds have taken on more significance after some events in the NRL in 2022 and it’s a cause for massive celebration in the AFLW.

AFLW players Mua Laloifi, Eilish Sheerin, Bonnie Toogood, Alice Mitchell, Mikayla Bowen and Bella Lewis with their pride jumpers. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

Standing for something can come with a cost, but if that cost is “a million conversations” then the AFLW pride round has served its purpose.

This weekend all 18 clubs and umpires will wear specially designed uniforms, not just jumpers but socks too, supporting diversity and inclusion of LGBTQI+ communities and families.

Such a move has not gone off without issue in other codes in 2022 and the decision of the so-called “Manly Seven” in the NRL who refused to wear their jumpers set off a chain reaction that, in part, finished with the sacking of Manly coach Des Hasler on Thursday.

But AFLW boss Nicole Livingstone said the importance of standing for something, and creating an open and inclusive environment, couldn’t be overrun by opposition, be it on a religious or even political level.

“Our league stands for something and we acknowledge that women‘s football has been founded by this community,” Livingstone said on Thursday.

“As we continue to grow, it‘s important to always acknowledge where we have come from.

“For us, it’s making sure that everybody is welcome at AFLW, it’s inclusive, and this round we’re focusing on the ‘allies’ who are looking to support the LGBTQI+ community.”

AFLW boss Nicole Livingstone says the league stands for something. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

AFLW stalwart Daisy Pearce, who will play her 50th game for Melbourne this week, is one of football’s clearest thinkers on issues on and off the field.

But a question from her two-year-old son, on seeing the “extra colourful” jumper she was wearing last season, proved to her beyond doubt how important the round was.

“He just noticed it was different to the one that I normally wear,” Pearce said on Thursday.

“I explained to him that it’s pride round, and it means you can be whoever you want to be and love whoever you want to love.

Daisy Pearce gestures to the pride guernsey. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“It was in that moment that I knew the visibility of the jumpers and the PR that goes around pride round in the AFL is important for starting those conversations.

“When it starts a conversation with your own two-year-old it‘s like, ‘Wow, this is so important’.

“I hope that was just one of a million conversations happening that weekend and I hope it’s one of another many million this weekend.

“The more we can talk about it and create that safe space for everyone is just so important.”

Originally published as Standing for something is the reason for AFLW pride round