The Sydney Swans have dumped St Kilda for their annual Pride Game due to frustration over how the Saints handled the Lance Collard tribunal case.
On Wednesday the Swans confirmed they would play their Pride Game against the Western Bulldogs in Round 17 at the SCG, ending a 10-year partnership with St Kilda.
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The Swans play St Kilda at the SCG in Round 13.
The decision is due to St Kilda’s submission in Collard’s hearing, where he was handed a second ban for using a homophobic slur in a V/AFL match in the space of three years.
He maintained his innocence but was found guilty and given a nine-week suspension, which was eventually reduced to just a two-match ban on appeal.
Reporter Mitch Cleary said on Channel 7’s Agenda Setters: “The Swans have essentially dumped the Saints for how they handled the Collard situation.”
St Kilda argued a nine-match suspension, reduced to seven on a suspended sentence, was “manifestly excessive” and would put Collard “on the wrong path”.
Now after consultation with the Rainbow Swans and members of the community, the Swans have opted to move their Pride match.
“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,” the Sydney Swans said in a statement.
“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.
“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 CEO Carl Dilena said in a letter to members: “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.”
Speaking on Channel 7, St Kilda great Nick Riewoldt said: “St Kilda were the pioneers of this cause back (when) I was still playing at the time.
“I would assume that this would hit them pretty hard.”
