The Sydney Swans have officially ended their decade-long Pride Game partnership with the St Kilda Saints, citing frustration over the Saints' handling of the Lance Collard tribunal case. The Swans will instead host their 2026 Pride Game against the Western Bulldogs in Round 17 at the SCG on Friday night, effectively replacing St Kilda from the annual fixture.
Background of the Decision
The decision stems from St Kilda's submission during Collard's tribunal hearing. Collard faced his second charge of using a homophobic slur in a VFL match within three years. Despite maintaining his innocence throughout the investigation, he was found guilty and initially received a nine-week ban, reduced to seven matches due to a suspended sentence. However, on appeal, the suspension was further reduced to just two matches.
It was the language and arguments St Kilda put forward during the tribunal and subsequent appeal that angered the Swans, rather than simply defending their player. The Saints argued that the nine-match suspension was "manifestly excessive" and claimed a significant suspension would put Collard "on the wrong path."
The Role of the Rainbow Swans
The Rainbow Swans, the club's LGBTIQA+ supporter group, played a central role in the decision. The Swans bowed to pressure from this community organisation. In a statement, the Swans said: "Since 2016, the Sydney Swans 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 and resonates deeply with our LGBTIQA+ supporter base and the wider Pride community."
"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 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 CEO Carl Dilena addressed members in a letter on Wednesday night. "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," he 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. 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."
Behind the Scenes
While both clubs described the conversations as amicable and collaborative, it is understood this was ultimately the Swans' decision, with St Kilda having no choice in the matter. The Western Bulldogs have been pioneers in the Pride space, particularly in AFLW where the Pride Game has evolved into a Pride Round. This move follows the Swans' decision earlier this year to end their partnership with Qatar Airways due to Qatar's stance on LGBTIQA+ rights.
