St Kilda has been removed from the annual AFL Pride Game against Sydney following the controversy surrounding Lance Collard's homophobic slur case. The Western Bulldogs will take their place in the Round 17 fixture, which was originally scheduled for Round 13 at the SCG.
Background of the Case
Lance Collard, a fringe St Kilda player, was initially found guilty of using homophobic language during a VFL match and received a seven-match ban. This marked his second offence involving a homophobic slur. St Kilda appealed the decision, resulting in the penalty being reduced to two weeks, with an additional two weeks suspended. However, the AFL later dismissed appeal board chair Will Houghton KC after he described such language as "commonplace" in the sport.
Swans' Decision
Sydney Swans announced on Wednesday night that they would no longer feature St Kilda in the Pride Game, which has been a tradition between the two clubs since 2016. In a statement, the Swans said: "We felt it was appropriate to shift our 2026 Pride Match to ensure the game has the positive impact that is intended. It is important that the focus is on the positive experience we are creating for the communities at the heart of Pride Game. We stand with the LGBTIQA+ community and believe that sport has the power to bring people together and celebrate inclusivity."
St Kilda's Response
St Kilda chief executive Carl Dilena expressed disappointment but accepted the decision. "Following the extensive media coverage of the recent AFL tribunal matter and associated public reaction, our club has been in discussions with Sydney Swans, the Rainbow Swans supporter group, Pride Cup, and the AFL," Dilena said. "I want to thank everyone involved for the respectful and constructive way those discussions have been approached. As a result of those conversations, the decision has been made that our match with Sydney this year will no longer be played under the Pride Game banner. While we would have preferred to proceed with the Pride Game designation to support inclusion and education, we understand and support the decision given the impact the recent publicity has had on members of the LGBTQIA+ and First Nations communities."
The Pride Game celebrates LGBTIQA+ inclusivity and has been a significant fixture in the AFL calendar. The Western Bulldogs will now face Sydney in Round 17 for this year's edition.
