CARLTON has unveiled its limited-edition Pride guernsey for this week’s historic AFLW match against the Western Bulldogs.
The Blues and the Dogs will play in the first AFLW Pride Game when they battle it out at Whitten Oval on Friday night.
Blues forward Darcy Vescio, who also works as a graphic designer at Carlton, used the logo she created for the Club’s LGBTIQ supporter group – Carlton Pride – as the main image for the jumper.
It’s a from @darcyvee for our #AFLWPrideGame guernsey! #BoundByBlue pic.twitter.com/Qz1MeXz1gV
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) February 20, 2018
On Tuesday afternoon, Vescio and Bulldog Emma Kearney were both on hand at Whitten Oval to reveal their respective guernseys.
Speaking to the media, Vescio said it was an honour to design the jumper and play in this historic game.
“I’m very fortunate to be able to play a part in designing the jumper, obviously I just wanted to highlight the rainbow flag and the way it works into the monogram. I really like it,” she said.
“I think women’s footy in general has always been a welcoming space for the LGBTIQ people and it’s been a safe space, so we’re really proud of wearing these rainbow colours and we know how much it means to so many girls in the game, and out of the game.
“I think on the back of the yes vote it will be wonderful to come down here on Friday night and celebrate the occasion as well – I guess footy has a vehicle to do that.”
Each Carlton player will receive two Pride jumpers, with their match-worn guernseys to be auctioned off after the game via the Blues’ online auction site. All proceeds will go to a charity determined by the players.
There are also a limited number of Pride guernseys available for pre-order at the Carlton Shop, for those wanting a keepsake to mark the occasion (guernsey can be picked up in-store or at Whitten Oval on Friday).
Head along to Whitten Oval on Friday night to watch our AFLW team in action - the first bounce takes place at 7:05pm.