The Sydney Swans have decided to move their annual Pride Game from the scheduled 7 June clash with St Kilda, following the controversy surrounding Saints player Lance Collard’s reduced suspension for using homophobic language. The decision has been widely praised as a move to ensure the event remains a positive celebration of LGBTIQA+ communities.
Background to the Decision
The Swans’ original Pride Game was set to take place against St Kilda, but the club reconsidered after Collard’s nine-week ban for homophobic slurs was reduced to four games on appeal. Instead, the Swans will now host the Western Bulldogs in the designated Pride Game for the 2026 season.
In a statement, the Swans explained: “Since 2016, we have been proud to host Pride Game at the SCG, celebrating inclusivity with our LGBTIQA+ community. It is one of the most significant matches on our calendar. In consultation with the Rainbow Swans, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, and St Kilda, we felt it was appropriate to shift our 2026 Pride Match to ensure the game has the positive impact intended.”
Collard’s Suspension and Fallout
This is not the first time Collard has faced sanctions over homophobic language. In 2024, the forward received a six-game ban for using a homophobic term against multiple opponents from Williamstown. He strongly denied the most recent allegation, and St Kilda’s legal team successfully appealed the nine-week ban, reducing it to four games.
The reduction sparked league-wide outrage. AFL CEO Andrew Dillon dismissed the appeals board chair, KC Will Houghton, stating a longer penalty “was not only warranted — it was necessary.” Dillon also criticised the board’s reasoning that “it is commonplace that players can employ language from time to time which is racist, sexist or homophobic whilst on the field,” rejecting both the claim and its implication for determining sanctions.
St Kilda’s Response
St Kilda CEO Carl Dilena wrote to members, expressing support for the Swans’ decision: “Following extensive media coverage of the AFL Tribunal matter and public reaction, our club has been in discussions with the Swans, Rainbow Swans, Pride Cup, and the AFL. I thank everyone for the respectful and constructive approach.”
He added: “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 on LGBTQIA+ and First Nations communities. We remain deeply committed to inclusion and will continue working to ensure St Kilda is a club where everyone feels they belong.”
The move has been lauded by advocacy groups, who see it as a strong statement that homophobia has no place in sport. The Swans’ Pride Game will now take place later in the season against the Western Bulldogs, with the club promising to continue its support for LGBTIQA+ inclusion.
