MELBOURNE has unveiled its 2025 pride guernsey in collaboration with the club’s Co-Principal Partner, Zurich.
The guernsey, which will be worn during the AFLW’s Pride Round, has been designed in partnership with Zurich’s PrideZ Employee Resource Group and features the traditional Melbourne chevron with the addition of the Progress Pride Flag colours.
The Progress Pride Flag was designed by Daniel Quasar in 2018 to reflect the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community, with a clear representation for people of colour and the trans community.
The back of the jumper features the emblem of the PrideZ Group. PrideZ is an Employee Resource Group which is focused on creating an inclusive workplace for all LGBTQIA+ employees and encouraging staff to be active allies, advocating for inclusion within the broader community.
Michael, a co-chair of the Pride Z Group, said it was an honour to be a part of celebrating pride in football.
“As a young gay boy growing up in Melbourne, football was always such a huge part of growing up here,” Michael said.
“To now have a part in designing this guernsey for the Dees, I just can't tell you how amazing that feeling is and we hope that the AFLW team feel proud and powerful [in the guernsey].”
Reflecting on the importance of Pride Round within the AFLW competition, Michael emphasised the power of representation for both the community and its allies.
“Pride Round is an opportunity to lift up the LGBTQIA+ community. It’s also a platform for everyone to stop and reflect, to think about how they can be greater advocates for inclusion and diversity in their everyday lives."
Melbourne will face Fremantle in the first week of Pride Round on Sunday 12 October, but won’t be able to don the special design due to a clash of jumpers.
The team will pull on the guernsey for the first time during Round 10 when the Dees host Sydney for a pride celebration at Casey Fields on Saturday 18 October.
Dees fans can now purchase the 2025 pride guernsey, available at the Demon Shop.
