The fallout continues from the Lance Collard AFL tribunal case, with St Kilda cut from the annual Pride Game against Sydney.
The fixture, which celebrates LGBTIQA+ inclusivity, was supposed to be when the Swans were hosting the Saints in round 13 at the SCG.
Sydney and St Kilda have partnered for the Pride Game since 2016.
Instead, the fixture has been switched to the Swans’ match against the Western Bulldogs in round 17.
Collard, a fringe Saints player, was initially found guilty of using homophobic language in a VFL game and was banned for seven matches. It was his second offence for using a homophobic slur.
St Kilda appealed and the penalty was dropped to two weeks, with another two weeks suspended.
But the AFL sacked appeal board chair Will Houghton KC last month after he had said in the final verdict that racist, sexist or homophobic language was “commonplace” in the game.
Now the Swans have cut ties with St Kilda for the Pride Game because of the Collard case.
“We felt it was appropriate to shift our 2026 Pride Match to ensure the game has the positive impact that is intended,” the Swans said in a statement on Wednesday night.
“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.”
The Saints also released a statement, with their chief executive Carl Dilena saying they had wanted to stay involved in the Pride Game.
“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.”
AAP
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