Carlton AFLW player Georgia Gee penned a column for aflplayers.com.au to preview the Pride Game against the Western Bulldogs on Friday night and reflect on the growth that has been made, when it comes to inclusivity, over the last few years.  

Having the privilege to be part of AFLW Pride Round and pull that jumper on — which represents so much — is really humbling.

For me, being in a same-sex relationship, it’s comforting to see so many people coming together to voice inclusivity and to do it for those who haven’t had a chance to have a voice.

It’s really important that every year, we celebrate this game. Even running out with the Bulldogs players to celebrate it with them, it’s a really fun game to be a part of.

It’s always a privilege to pull on the Carlton guernsey, but when it’s a got a meaning like this behind it, it makes it that little bit more special. I’m extremely proud.

Darcy’s (teammate Darcy Vescio) done an amazing job designing and creating it.

https://twitter.com/carltonfc_w/status/1356456920861696002?s=20

Every year we try to keep the Carlton monogram as it is, and shadowing that as a design.

Last year it was centred around the themes of coming together and being stronger through shared values.

This year, it’s important to shift to the focus to growth.

When you a cut a tree, you see growth rings, which shadow the monogram on this year’s guernsey.

This is relevant to us as a collective, because it represents the growth we’ve had over the last few years.

Having the jumper is about strengthening ties, using your voice to continually celebrate us and everyone else in the community. I think that’s really cool.

Our club is so inclusive, and having such welcoming people makes you feel so comfortable.

Whether you’re a male player, female player, or a staff member, you feel completely part of the club, no matter how much of a profile you have.

This year, the guernseys will be auctioned off with proceeds split between Carlton Pride Group and Minus18.

Carlton Pride have been the official LGBTIQ supporter group for our club since 2017. They provide a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the community.

Minus18 are a youth focussed charity, driving social change and providing a safe environment for young people of the LGBTIQ community.

I think us being able to split proceeds between those two entities is really important.

Tonight, we’ve got to build on what we did last week. We’ve got to get those four points and as long as we get the win, we’ll be pretty happy.