PHOTOS: Rainbows On Footy Field for Pride Game

Nerelle Harper 24 July 2017

The Sydney Swans beat the St Kilda Saints at the rainbow-adorned SCG during the AFL’s second annual Pride Game on Saturday night.

30,000 at St Kilda Saints vs Sydney Swans

More than 30,000 people attended the game. A rainbow marked the playing field’s 50-metre line painted and goal umpires waved rainbow flags. Meanwhile, players from both teams wore rainbow socks and guernseys for the game.

Fans waved rainbow flags and signs from the stands during the match. The Pride Game is an AFL initiative that began last year to fight homophobia and promote inclusion in sport.

St Kilda Saints chief executive Matt Finnis said last week the club was thrilled that LGBTI people at last year’s inaugural pride game had reported feeling more welcome.

“We’re committed to creating an environment at AFL matches where the LGBTI community feel safe in attending, feel free to be themselves and ultimately feel a sense of belonging.”

Since last year’s Pride Game, more than half a dozen LGBTI groups supporting AFL teams have emerged, including the Rainbow Crows, the Rainbow Swans, the Purple Bombers, the Ruby Demons, the Blue Roos, and the Pink Magpies.

#PrideGame #AFLSwansSaints 📸: Cameron Spencer

A post shared by AFL (@afl) on Jul 22, 2017 at 3:41am PDT

Everyone is welcome! 🌈 #PrideGame #ProudlySydney pic.twitter.com/51yzbv88rb

— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) July 22, 2017

Hey Tynan! 😇#PrideGame 🌈 #AFLSwansSaints pic.twitter.com/sZaWtgbyj5

— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) July 22, 2017

#SydneySwans #PrideGame #AFLPride pic.twitter.com/SkAFZtt31v

— Darlo Lama (@Knock_Loudly) July 23, 2017

🌈🌈🌈 #pridegame #aflswanssaints #afl #sport #lgbt

A post shared by Jayden Sheppard (@_jaydensheppard) on Jul 22, 2017 at 2:17am PDT

I am so excited to be in Sydney tonight for the second year of PRIDE 🌈💛💜 A personal massive thank you to the incredible Matt Finnis who has worked tirelessly to make the AFL and sport a welcoming space for all people 💛🌈 @stkildafc @sydneyswans #pridegame #pridematch #everyone #together #love #freedom #equality #change

A post shared by Angie Greene (@gagagreene) on Jul 21, 2017 at 7:59pm PDT

This photo ^^ 👏🏽🌈👏🏽 At last nights Pride Game 📸 from @sydneymardigras #pridegame @amequality #equalitycampaign #freedom #beyou #together #change #equality #afl #inclusion #beyou

A post shared by Stand Up Events (@standupeventsmelbourne) on Jul 22, 2017 at 6:16pm PDT

#PrideGame #goswans best crrowd ever! @sydneyswans #inclusion #diversity #love

A post shared by Yvette Baldwin (@bluelambb) on Jul 22, 2017 at 2:01am PDT