West Coast chief executive Trevor Nisbett admits the Eagles “got it wrong” by opting to not to design a Pride Round jumper for the AFLW season.
The club came under fire ahead of Round 3 of the AFLW season because it was the only team out of 14 that chose not to design a guernsey for Pride Round.
Days later, coach Michael Prior said the “pride stuff had been done to death” – a comment he later apologised for via a statement.
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In an open letter to supporters published on Monday night, Nisbett admitted the club had made an error of judgment.
“In short, we got it wrong by not having a Pride Round guernsey ready for 2022,” Nisbett wrote. “We have always acknowledged the role of the AFLW Pride Round in promoting recognition and inclusion for LGBQTIA+ people and the challenges faced by the community.
“We have long championed diversity and inclusion as a club, and have a strong history in Indigenous, multicultural and female football programs and activities, amongst others.”
The Eagles are currently in the middle of a three-week stint in Victoria along with Fremantle, but have had two games called off due to a COVID-19 outbreak. West Coast is scheduled to play more games before returning home.
Nisbett has said the club believes the AFLW side will be back in Western Australia on February 8 before completing a 14-day quarantine.
“All in all, our AFLW team has yet to have an uninterrupted season in the competition, which is really disappointing for our club and our members, but we will continue to work as hard as ever to keep improving our on-field performance,” he said.
“As much as we hope it won’t, no doubt the fixture released late last year (including the AAMI Community Series match scheduled for March) is subject to change, especially given Western Australia’s current border arrangements,” he said.
“We will continue to work with the State Government on how to best navigate requirements to keep the AFL fixture on track and will keep you informed as soon as we receive any relevant information, including requirements to attend Optus Stadium, which are likely to be more stringent than at other venues around the country.”
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