The AFL is pleased to launch the inaugural 2021 AFLW Pride Round this week for Round Two of the 2021 NAB AFLW competition.

AFL Head of Women’s Football Nicole Livingstone was joined by AFLW players Bonnie Toogood (Western Bulldogs) and Darcy Vescio (Carlton) at VU Whitten Oval today to welcome the first competition wide AFLW Pride Round which will be held from February 5-7
 
As part of the dedicated round, all AFL Umpires will wear rainbow-coloured sweatbands, while Goal Umpires will exchange their traditional white flags for rainbow ones.
 
In addition, the official NAB AFLW competition logo will swap its iconic coral coloured emblem for a rainbow one in celebration of the round, while all 50-metre arc ground markings will also be painted rainbow for the occasion.
 
A total of five AFLW Clubs will wear specially designed Pride Round guernseys this weekend to mark the historic milestone, including Adelaide Crows, Brisbane Lions, Carlton, Geelong and Western Bulldogs.  
 
For the fourth consecutive year, the annual Pride Game between the Western Bulldogs and Carlton will kick off the dedicated round, when the pair meet at VU Whitten Oval on Friday February 5.   

Head of Women’s Football Nicole Livingstone said the inaugural Pride Round is an opportunity to celebrate the inclusiveness of the NAB AFLW competition.
 
“We are proud to formally celebrate a Pride Round across the NAB AFLW competition in Round Two and we recognise the leadership of the Carlton and Western Bulldogs Football Clubs who have paved the way with the Pride Game over recent years,” Ms Livingstone said.
 
“Where we can be more celebratory, where we can be more inclusive, where we can give back to the community, we will.”
 
AFL Executive General Manager for Inclusion and Social Policy Tanya Hosch said the inaugural Pride Round reflects the competition’s commitment to being a sport for all.
 
“The creation of Pride Round is another step towards being a more inclusive game, celebrating the contributions of all who contribute to AFLW and ensuring our game is a place of welcome for everyone,” Ms Hosch said.
 
“We hope the dedicated round is a reflection of our commitment to being a more inclusive sport and we look forward to seeing fans embrace Pride Round throughout the weekend.”
 
The inaugural AFLW Pride Round is one of three dedicated rounds that will be celebrated across the 2021 NAB AFLW Season, with the first AFLW Indigenous Round to be held in Round Five and Toyota Good For Footy Round to follow in Round Nine.