The Western Bulldogs are excited to confirm they will again wear the transgender pride flag inspired guernsey in next weekend’s AFLW Pride Round match against North Melbourne.

The initial design was created by members of the AFLW playing group in consultation with the Bulldog Pride supporter group, which received a positive reception among the LGBTQIA+ and wider AFLW community last season.

The 2023 iteration will also see two minor details added - a rainbow heart on the front-left of the guernsey, and a rainbow outline around the playing numbers.

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2023 Pride Guernsey

Sit down with Issy Grant to hear about the 2023 Pride Guernsey

This, combined with the traditional red, white and blue hoops exchanged for pastel pink and blue, and the rainbow progress pride flag across the top-back, makes up the Bulldogs’ seventh Pride guernsey.

Defender Issy Grant, who led the design process from a player-involvement perspective, explained the modifications and importance of having such a round.

“The heart on the front is a bit of a representation that the LGBTQIA+ community is super close to our heart and super close to our AFLW community.

“We’ve then got the rainbow around the numbers on the back, which we thought was a nice little addition to it given we’re obviously focusing on the transgender pride flag.

“It’s so important to be able to represent the LGBTQIA+ community and create something fun for people to wear with pride.

“It’s so beautiful to see us represented, and for the younger generation of people growing up to know that they are loved and that being themselves is okay.”

The Bulldogs’ Pride guernseys will be worn at VU Whitten Oval next Saturday 4 November, with match-worn guernseys to be auctioned off post-game.

The guernseys and an exclusive Pride merchandise range is also available for retail at the Bulldogs Shop.

Tickets for the match are on sale now.

The inaugural Pride Game was established by the Bulldogs and Carlton in 2018, and has since evolved into a league-wide round dedicated to celebrating diversity and inclusion, and supporting the LGBTIQA+ community.

Bulldog Pride was established as an official Club supporter group that aims to create a space where LGBTIQA+ Bulldogs supporters, their family and friends can come together and enjoy the footy in a safe environment. The group can be found on social media via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.