PORT ADELAIDE has launched its 2024 AFLW Pride guernsey, designed by Abbey Dowrick and Hannah Ewings.
Named the Power of Pride, the design represents all who make up the Port Adelaide community.
Intended to be a fresh, modern take on the traditional Pride messages of community and inclusion, the Power of Pride shares similar themes to the club’s previous two Pride guernseys.
The bold lightning bolt pattern is made up of the colours from the Progress flag, which reflects the diversity of the LGBTIQA+ community and the spectrum of human sexuality and gender.
With an obvious link to the club’s nickname, the Power, the striking design is all about the power of being yourself and embracing others for who they are.
Scattered throughout the print are words that capture the essence of Dowrick and Ewings’ individual pride stories - identity, dignity, equality, diversity, inclusivity, love, celebrate, confidence and freedom.
Drawing on her artistic side was a strange experience for Dowrick.
“It was all pretty foreign for me. Lucky. I had nothing to do with the drawings. I'm horrible when it comes to being an artist,” she laughed.
“Hannah was definitely better than me on the artistic side of things, but I'm just glad that what we thought of came to life.
“I really love the club’s tri-bolt guernsey design so I wanted us to try to replicate something like that with the lightning bolt, but then make it our own as well.
“AFLW is all about equality and inclusiveness and it was important to us to incorporate those and some other important words in our design. For me the biggest thing is just accepting who you are and loving who you are.
“The Pride Round is always such a special week to see how many people get out in all sorts of colours. You can feel the joy around the football community when everyone gets around each other and loves love.”
For Ewings, designing the guernsey was a special experience.
“I was pretty stoked to be asked, especially to be doing it with Abbey. To come together and use the words and design to capture the essence of our pride stories, I feel very honoured and humbled,” Ewings said.
“When I saw the finished product, I was taken aback by it. It's exactly what we were talking about.
“I'm really excited to see the girls wearing it in the game against Collingwood. Obviously, I'm not running out there, but I know the girls understand how special this round is, and I know they'll wear it with such pride. It's going to look amazing out there.”
Ewings noted the Pride Round was something she looked forward to each year.
“In AFLW we’re able to create a safe environment for everyone no matter who you are,” she said.
“The Pride Round really engages fans and local communities, creating a sense of belonging and support that extends beyond the game.
“For me, it really reinforces the values of equality and respect within AFLW.”
The guernsey design also features another personal touch from each of the players. Under Dowrick’s signature are five love hearts, representing her parents and siblings, while Ewings has included a truck under her signature to pay tribute to her family business, and how her family have accepted her sexuality.
Replica Power of Pride guernseys in adult sizes are available from the Port Store at Alberton and online, with Pride Round t-shirts being available from the Port Store at Alberton and online in the coming days.
Port Adelaide will wear a white version of the guernsey against Collingwood in Round 7, on Thursday, 10 October at Alberton Oval.
Tickets are still available for that game.
