The Sydney Swans have decided to move their ‘Pride Game’ from their 7 June clash with St Kilda.
Their decision comes just days after the Saints’ Lance Collard had his nine-week suspension for using homophobic language reduced to four games following the club’s appeal.
The move has been widely praised, as Pride Game is intended to celebrate and stand united with LGBTIQA+ communities.
Instead, the Swans’ fixture against the Western Bulldogs will now be the designated Pride Game for this season.
‘Since 2016, the Sydney Swans have been proud to host Pride Game at the SCG, celebrating inclusivity with our LGBTIQA+ community,’ the club said in a statement.
‘It is one of the most significant matches on our calendar and resonates deeply with our LGBTIQA+ supporter base and the wider Pride community.
The Sydney Swans have taken the decision to move their ‘Pride Game’ from their June 7 clash with St Kilda
Lance Collard had his nine-game suspension reduced to four following the Saints appeal
Instead the Swans will play their Pride Game against the Western Bulldogs
It’s the second suspension for Collard who received a six-game ban back in 2024
‘In consultation with the Rainbow Swans, members of the LGBTIQA+ community, and the St Kilda Football Club, we felt it was appropriate to shift our 2026 Pride Match to ensure the game has the positive impact 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. That’s why Pride Game matters.’
This is not the first time Collard has faced sanctions over homophobic language. Back in 2024, the Saints forward was banned for six games after admitting to using a homophobic term against multiple Williamsburg opponents.
He always strongly denied the most recent allegation and the Saints’ legal team successfully appealed his nine-week ban, reducing it to four.
The reduction sparked league-wide outrage—to the extent that AFL CEO Andrew Dillon dismissed the appeals board chair, KC Will Houghton, stating a penalty much longer than four games ‘was not only warranted — it was necessary’.
He also criticised the appeals board’s rationale for reducing the ban, saying, ‘The AFL specifically rejects the Appeals Board’s reasoning which stated, ‘it is commonplace that players can employ language from time to time which is racist, sexist or homophobic whilst on the field’. The AFL strongly rejects not only that such language is commonplace, but also any implication that may be a factor in determining the severity of sanction.’
St Kilda CEO Carl Dilena wrote to members on Wednesday, affirming his support and understanding of the Swans’ decision: ‘Following extensive media coverage of the recent AFL Tribunal matter and public reaction, our club has been in discussions with the Sydney Swans, the Rainbow Swans supporter group, Pride Cup, and the AFL. 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.
‘We remain deeply committed to LGBTQIA+ and First Nations inclusion in sport at every level. We are proud advocates of respect and inclusion and remain committed to continuing that work across our club and community.
‘Importantly, the change to the Pride Game this year does not alter our commitment. We will continue working proactively with our people, supporters and industry partners to ensure St Kilda remains a club where everyone feels they belong.’
