The debate over whether sport and politics mix continues, with some fans criticizing the AFL for being “too awake”, while others insist the league must continue to push for inclusive initiatives such as pride rounds and anti-racism measures. .
The game’s main fan body, the AFL Fans’ Association, released its annual survey, with most respondents indicating they were concerned that the league was not focusing or prioritizing the right things.
Typically, the group’s annual survey found that the issues fans were concerned about were more related to the game-day experience, gameplay, rule changes, officiating and things like ticketing.
However, it seems that fans are now thinking more and more about social issues and how they manifest themselves in football; be it racist behavior, social initiatives like pride rounds, or concerns about the prominence of gambling.
But not all. Fans were divided on whether sports and politics (social issues is probably a more relevant term) mix.
Swans fans cheered for their side last year during the club’s annual Pride clash against the Saints, but there is yet to be a league-wide round.
The AFL Fan Association (pictured, Cats supporters at last year’s grand final) has released its annual survey
Many fans believe the league should do more to combat racism in the game and overwhelmingly said clubs should conduct an internal review of their treatment of indigenous players.
The prevalence of racism and the reduction of homophobia were the two key issues that many fans said concerned them.
66 percent of those polled thought the AFL could be doing more to combat racism, while 59 percent of fans wanted to see an annual round of Pride, as revealed by Age.
Worryingly, just under half (47 per cent) of all fans have witnessed racist comments directed at a player, and the fact that 69 per cent of those surveyed believed their club needed a deal review. to indigenous players it highlights how far the game is. it has yet to come when it arrives.
But not everyone said that the two main social issues being discussed in footy concerned them, or that they should even be discussed.
“There is also concern over qualitative feedback that there is too much emphasis on the ‘wake agenda’ and some fans are even questioning why questions on these topics are being included in the fan poll,” an AFL Fans Association spokesperson said.
Lance Franklin has been one of the most vocal advocates for indigenous gaming rights throughout his storied career.
Fans like these surrounding Cats superstar Tom Hawkins after his big final win last year are gearing up for a great 2023 season.
So much so, that many fans think the league and clubs should well and truly keep their noses out of this, ranking the inclusion last of the six issues clubs should be concerned about.
But the league will not back down.
“Football is a place of inclusion and belonging and there is absolutely no place for racism in our game at any level. Ever. Everyone involved in football, including the fans, has a role to play in fighting racism and defamation in football and in the broader community,” AFL social policy manager Told Age. Tanya Hosch.
“No one in our game or in the community deserves to be discriminated against and vilified because of their faith or race and there is simply no excuse for it.”
When it comes to trying to combat homophobia and smearing of gay people, while fans are essentially divided on the concept, the league has left the door open for a round of Pride.
After the ‘Manly Seven’ saga debacle that was one of the NRL’s biggest controversies last season, clubs and the league are throwing out a rainbow jumper in a hurry.
Lance Franklin dons the club’s Rainbow Pride shirt at Swans Pride’s annual clash against St Kilda
The Swans and St. Kilda, on the other hand, through their annual Pride match, have been introducing educational programs and using rainbow initiatives, with captain Callum Mills even criticizing Manly at the time for not being an inclusive club.
While Hosch has said the league is potentially open to a Pride round, there were no immediate plans to host one.
Part of that, no doubt, is the fact that fans concerned about the so-called ‘wake up agenda’, who want the league to focus only on soccer, will turn away even further.
And the abuse, discrimination and homophobia could even get worse, if it plays out like the Manly or NBL scandals.
Pound2Play, an LGBTQI+ sports inclusion body, says “a lot more work needs to be done” before the AFL can consider a round of Men’s Pride, and fans may need to be convinced too.