By PETER DOUGLAS
THE Pride Cup concept is now a confirmed starter on the national stage, after the AFL announced a pride-themed clash for next season.
The concept first emerged last year through Yarra Glen coach, Dean de Munk, and assistant coach, Sam Hills, after team member Jason Ball came out as a gay footballer in 2012.
In what will be one of the highlights in the 2016 AFL fixture, St Kilda will host the Sydney Swans at Etihad Stadium in Round 23.
The clash will be the first time a pride match has been played for AFL premiership points, with a pre-season clash held this year between the Swans and Fremantle in Western Sydney.
The Saints and the Yarra Glen Football Club have been working in partnership to further the concept, which the Thunder has successfully hosted at grassroots level over the past two years.
St Kilda President Matt Finnis has described the occasion as historic and important.
Mr Finnis believes the Saints and the Swans are the right clubs to further the concept at AFL level.
Meanwhile, Ball told the Mail earlier this year it was exciting times for those involved.
“St Kilda has been leaders in this space from the outset, we’ve been happy to have their support,” he said.
Ball believes the concept has much to offer a national audience.
“It’s not tokenism, it’s about encouraging meaningful engagement,” he said.
