Rainbow Crows founder Brett McAloney says he feels optimistic about the path moving forward with the Club, following a recent catch-up with Adelaide forward Izak Rankine.

In the lead up to the AFLW’s Pride Round, McAloney revealed that Rankine had reached out to him, after the Crows forward was suspended for using a homophobic slur in Round 23, with the pair engaging in an “open and honest” conversation about the incident.

Speaking to AFC Media, McAloney said Rankine was remorseful and believed the pair and the Club would be able to move forward to help create a safer space for the LGBTIQA+ community.

“It has certainly been a bit of a difficult time, and a lot of our community did reach out and they did explain they are feeling hurt,” McAloney said.

“Izak did reach out to us and we were able to have a bit of a yarn. We talked about the impact that it has had on many of our community members, and it was really good to hear from Izak that he understood that.

“He understands discrimination and he can see the importance of him as a leader in our community where so many, particularly young people, look up to them as role models.

“Along with that, we’ve continued with some good conversations with the Club, and looking forward to working with them to do some things to help break down those barriers and make sure that everyone who loves footy can come along and be part of it.

“It was a very genuine conversation. One of the things Izak really wanted to highlight was that he actually wants to build a connection with the Rainbow Crows, and wants to help us have conversations within the Club and the men’s playing group, so we can walk together and make a difference.”

McAloney was at the Crows’ West Lakes headquarters on Thursday as part of an all-club Pride Round celebration.

He said the round helped to celebrate diversity and allowed people to feel comfortable being themselves.

“For a lot of people in our community, when we are growing up and we’ve got even the slightest inkling that we might be part of this community, the first feeling that the majority has is shame,” McAloney said.

“The opposite of shame is pride. It’s really important that by having a Pride Round that our community knows they are safe at the football, that they feel seen, and they are actually celebrated.

“It’s important to celebrate Pride, bring the community together, make sure they feel welcomed and loved. It’s a great, positive, fun day.”

McAloney started the Rainbow Crows Facebook group in August 2016, after the first AFL Pride game between St Kilda and Sydney.

The group has now grown from a social media page to hosting events, having financial members, and being involved in activities around the Club.

“For a lot of people in our community one of the things that we have had a lot of stories is that everyone grew up loving their AFL, it’s a connection with family and friends.

“But they found when they became adults and their true selves they found the space a little bit daunting and a little bit scary.

“That’s why we have groups like Rainbow Crows and we want to build a connection so people feel they can go along and it is a safe space.”


Adelaide’s AFLW side will celebrate Pride Round by wearing specifically designed rainbow guernseys during its clash against West Coast at Norwood Oval on Saturday.

Tickets available here.