The Western Bulldogs and Carlton will take part in the inaugural AFLW Pride Game in Round 4 this season, it was announced today.

The Bulldogs and Blues will face off at VU Whitten Oval on Friday, February 23, at an event which will celebrate inclusiveness, gender diversity, and welcoming all people, no matter their sexual orientation.

Both Western Bulldogs and Carlton players will wear specially designed pride guernseys in the match, which will be unveiled in the coming weeks, and there will also be a number of activities for fans in the lead-up to, and at the game.

The Bulldogs initiated the concept of the Pride Game to further support the LGBTIQ community and engaged Carlton as the club to share the celebration with.

“We thought dedicating an AFLW match day to gender diversity, inclusiveness and the feats of our women’s players would be a great celebration,” said Bulldogs’ CEO Ameet Bains.

“The Carlton Football Club was extremely supportive of the idea and willing to get involved.

“The Pride Game is about inclusiveness, understanding and celebrating gender diversity and supporting the LGBTIQ community, but it’s also about celebrating the challenges these women have overcome to create the thriving AFLW competition which you see today.”

Bulldogs’ defender Hannah Scott said the playing group was immediately supportive of the Pride Game concept, and that its impact could be wide-reaching. 

“The possibilities are endless really,” Scott said at the launch, which was held at the Pride of our Footscray bar.

“There’s so many people out there that struggle through this every single day and it effects not just the person, but the family, the friend, it effects everything.

“This could change the course of history really.”

It was also announced that radio station JOY 94.9 FM, a voice for the LGBTIQ community, will provide live radio coverage of the Round 4 AFLW Pride Game, in a first for the station.