After a collaborative approach from current and former West Coast Eagles AFLW players and staff, the club has today released its inaugural Pride Round guernsey.
The guernsey, which will be worn for the first time in Friday night’s clash against Richmond at Mineral Resources Park, incorporates some key elements including the colours of the progress pride flag shadowing the Eagles head.
While Pride Round does not officially kick off until next weekend the club was keen to unveil the guernsey at this week’s home game.
The guernsey also features some dates and inspiring quotes from past and current players and staff which feature on the back of the guernsey.
A strong influence over the design was recently-retired former player Andrea Gilmore.
“It was great to be able to help in this design process and also have a bit of a chat to the group,” Gilmore said. “It was really important for me to be a part of this process on-going, even after I have retired.
“The potential for this club in terms of its diversity and inclusivity is something I’m really passionate about and reflecting on how I have felt in my journey. It’s important to be able to have a say in this space and to make sure other people feel as included as I have.
“Pride Round to me is a celebration of the LBGTQI family, which I am a part of, it’s a great opportunity to celebrate the diverse group of people. It is an acknowledgement of the hardships they have been through and the resilience that group of people have shown. It’s great that the playing group and the staff here have the support of everyone else at the club too.”
Defender Belinda Smith, who was also actively involved, is excited about the opportunity to wear the inaugural Pride guernsey.
“It was really cool to include everyone’s personal anecdotes, words or dates,” she said. “It’s a really beautiful part of the jumper and that’s the part I’m most excited to wear. I can’t wait to run out there and represent the rest of the queer community.
“Pride Round is super important to me and to the rest of the girls in the team. It is really important to see the visibility, the celebration and the representation that we can show the rest of the community.
“The AFLW has really helped push that forward as well and the Pride game is so, so important. I’m so happy for the girls and boys and nonbinary kids whose differences are celebrated.”
Midfielder Bella Lewis also highlighted the importance of the round to the entire squad.
“Pride Round is really important to our playing group and we’re really stoked to get a jumper,” Lewis said. “It’s our inaugural one, so that’s really special for us.
“Not just for us as a playing group in the AFLW, but the supporters that come down, it gives them a safe environment to be included. The Pride Round opens up a lot of conversations, but it is also about education and evolving. We, as a club, have evolved a lot within the Pride Round.
“We have a lot of pride and care within the playing and I think the feeling will be really special.”
