Essendon has unveiled its 2026 AFLW Pride guernsey, designed by players Courtney Murphy and Georgia Clarke. 

The pair worked together on this year’s design, which puts a new spin on the traditional Essendon sash through a series of connected chain links. 

Running across the front and back of the guernsey, each link is different in colour and design, representing the individual stories that make up the LGBTQIA+ community. 

“The main element is the chain running through the guernsey," Murphy said.

“The chain represents connection and the idea that we’re all linked together, regardless of who we are or where we come from.

“Each link has a different colour and some with a different word woven into it. The words we chose represent the values we wanted the guernsey to stand for. 

“A key detail is that no two links are exactly the same, but they all come together to create one chain, which was really important to the concept.” 

For Murphy and Clarke, the opportunity to design the guernsey was also a chance to create something that felt authentic to the playing group. 

“It was a really cool experience, being able to design something that felt authentic to us, but also represented what Pride means within our club and the wider community,” Murphy said. 

“We wanted our design to represent that sense of belonging and support for everyone.” 

Clarke said the chain was a simple way of showing both individuality and connection. 

“The sash is represented by chain links demonstrating the connection of the LGBTQIA+ community, with words embedded into the links that resonate with the feeling of pride,” Clarke said. 

“No two links are the same, as everyone has their own unique story.” 

Having attended the first AFLW Pride Game between the Western Bulldogs and Carlton, Clarke has also seen the celebration grow significantly across the competition. 

“I remember going to the very first Pride game between the Western Bulldogs and Carlton and it was a huge spectacle,” Clarke said. 

“To see how it’s evolved and now every team has their own Pride guernsey and there is a dedicated Pride Round league-wide is unreal.” 

The Bombers will now get the chance to wear Murphy and Clarke’s design on field, something Clarke is looking forward to seeing. 

“It’ll be a really proud moment, to see the design come to fruition!” 

The Bombers will take on the Bulldogs this Friday night at Whitten Oval in the AFLW league wide Pride Round.