A decade ago Swans' CEO played in the little-known first Pride game

A decade ago, the Sydney Swans launched an initiative that would become a significant part of the club's identity: its first Pride game. This preseason match, played against the Fremantle Dockers in Sydney, marked the beginning of the Swans' formal engagement with LGBTQAI+ inclusion efforts.

“

So, regrettably [I] jumped on a plane.

Matthew Pavlich, a Fremantle legend and now CEO of the Sydney Swans, recalled the early days. He admitted he wasn't initially enthusiastic about playing a preseason game in Sydney but was won over by the atmosphere. "The crowd certainly showed up and brought it to life in what was a pretty carnival-like atmosphere," Pavlich said, remembering the "lots of pride flags and colour" in the stands.

“

The crowd certainly showed up and brought it to life in what was a pretty carnival-like atmosphere.

The success of that initial game paved the way for the first official Pride game for premiership points the following year, between Sydney and St Kilda. Over the past decade, both clubs have embraced dedicated Pride games, becoming leaders in LGBTQAI+ conversations within the Australian Football League (AFL).

“

I remember there were lots of pride flags and colour and atmosphere in the crowd and I also remember a young Isaac Heeney taking a few speccies and working out that this guy was going to be alright.

Reflecting on the journey, Pavlich noted the deep passion within the Swans' Pride community for the club's history and its work with LGBTQAI+ causes. He emphasized that the club's commitment extends beyond the games themselves, stating, "This [Pride initiatives] is about showing up to the community well and doing things the right way and for the right reasons, and clearly this resonates very strongly for our Sydney fans."

“

This [Pride initiatives] is about showing up to the community well and doing things the right way and for the right reasons, and clearly this resonates very strongly for our Sydney fans.