St Kilda has been removed from the annual AFL Pride Game against Sydney, with the Western Bulldogs taking their place in round 17. The decision follows the controversy surrounding Saints player Lance Collard's use of a homophobic slur.
The Pride Game, which celebrates LGBTIQA+ inclusivity, was originally scheduled for round 13 at the SCG. However, the fixture has now been shifted to the Swans' match against the Western Bulldogs in round 17.
Collard's Tribunal Case
Collard, a fringe St Kilda player, was initially found guilty of using homophobic language during a VFL game and received a seven-match ban. It was his second offence for a homophobic slur. St Kilda appealed, and the penalty was reduced to two weeks, with another two weeks suspended. However, the AFL later sacked appeal board chair Will Houghton after he described such language as "commonplace" in the game.
Swans' Decision
Sydney Swans announced the change on Wednesday night, stating: "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. That's why Pride Game matters."
St Kilda's Response
St Kilda chief executive Carl Dilena released a statement expressing the club's disappointment. "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. "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 has been contested between Sydney and St Kilda since 2016. The fallout from the Collard case continues to affect the club's relationship with the LGBTIQA+ community.
