ST KILDA forward Jesse Tawhiao-Wardlaw cannot wait to celebrate Pride Round this week, which has become a staple on the AFLW calendar.
The St Kilda forward says the round provides an opportunity for everyone to feel seen, accepted and supported.
"It's one of my favourite rounds in the AFLW. It's such a good vibe and such a good atmosphere at the games, but there's also a deeper meaning behind it too," Tawhiao-Wardlaw told AFL.com.au's Tagged.Â
"Pride for me is showing up as yourself and being supported and able to share yourself authentically.
"To be proud, people's gender, sexuality and identity shows up in different ways so it's about accepting everyone for who they are and welcoming them to the AFLW."
Tawhiao-Wardlaw and teammate Darcy Guttridge helped to design St Kilda's Pride guernsey this year, which was a proud moment for the star Saint.
Wearing those guernseys every year is one of the things that Tawhiao-Wardlaw loves the most about Pride Round.
"It's always the jerseys for me. I can think back to a game and remember which jersey I was wearing and which team I was playing. I think wearing the pride guernsey is a real highlight for me," she said.
The club approached Tawhiao-Wardlaw to design the guernsey a while ago and she said she's had a lot of fun working with the design team to create the guernsey that the side will wear on Saturday against Collingwood.
"We came up with something that we're really proud of and it looks amazing. It feels great to wear and has such a great meaning behind it," she said.
The traditionally straight lines on St Kilda's playing strip have been transformed into flowing waves, representing the fluidity of sexuality, gender and identity.Â
"We wanted to build on the traditional St Kilda design … we wanted to dive into the fluidity of gender and expression and how it shows up for different people," Tawhiao-Wardlaw said.Â
This year, St Kilda fans will also be able to show their support through a new Pride tshirt, designed by local artist and lifelong supporter Grace Mills.
