The Sydney Swans will not partake in their designated Pride Game against St Kilda this season due to the latter's handling of the Lance Collard case earlier this year.
Collard was hit with a lengthy nine-game ban that was later reduced to two weeks following an investigation into his use of homophobic slurs during a VFL game.
The Saints stood in support of their young athlete throughout investigations into the matter, with the club maintaining the stance that Collard was innocent.
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It was the second time in three years that the 21-year-old had been hit with a ban for an offence relating to the use of homophobic language.
The decision received mixed reaction online and has now resulted in the end of a 10-year-long partnership between the Saints and Swans, with their annual pride game no longer taking place due to St Kilda's language used to defend Collard's actions.
The Swans will now play their Pride Game against the Western Bulldogs in round 17.
"Since 2016, the Sydney Swans have been proud to host Pride Game at the SCG, celebrating inclusivity with our LGBTIQA+ community," the Swans said in a statement.
"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."
St Kilda acknowledged the Swans' decision on Wednesday evening, with the club saying it "would have preferred" the event to continue as plan.
St Kilda said its commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community remained unchanged.
"St Kilda has a long and proud history of inclusion," St Kilda chief executive Carl Dilena said in a statement.
"Alongside Sydney, we helped establish the AFL Pride Game in 2016 because we believe football should be a place where everyone feels welcome, safe and respected. These values are important for our staff, our players, our fans and our community.
"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."
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