“There is a much warmer and supportive crowd [at AFLW games],” Claire said.

“The absence of angry/drunk/menacing people, usually men, hurling their frustrations at the game really does make for a more relaxed environment to enjoy the spectacle.”

“The AFLW has meant I have been able to encourage people who previously felt there wasn’t space for them to watch live sport and enjoy it.”

Fans are pragmatic about their clubs and the AFL, though. They’re aware they don’t always get it right, and there’s a long road ahead. Multiple Carlton fans I interviewed expressed disappointment at their club’s response to the 2017 same-sex marriage postal survey.

At the time, Carlton released a “statement” expressing their commitment to equality while respecting that “this is about personal choice”.

Most clubs, including the Western Bulldogs and St Kilda, along with the AFL, supported the Yes vote in media releases and actions. Laura was surprised that Carlton was chosen to be involved in the Pride Game after her disenchantment over this statement.

Similarly, some fans cannot fall under the all-inclusive spell of the Pride Game until the AFL changes its policy on trans athletes.

Their shifting requirements for trans women and non-binary people to be allowed to play in the AFLW, in comparison to state and local football, and their treatment of footballer Hannah Mouncey have hurt members of the community. It’s important to remember that for many, the AFLW remains alienating.

Alfie, who regularly attends AFLW games, says as a trans person, they understandably don’t feel comfortable getting excited about symbols like rainbow guernseys and flags while the AFL “is effectively barring trans women from playing.”

“I’m also wary about the huge amount of patting on the back that organisations like the AFL like to do around things like Pride games,” they said.

Another element to the match that some readers may not be aware of is that most clubs now have an unofficial or officially affiliated LGBTQIA+ supporter group.