Eagles CEO Trevor Nisbett has apologised over the West Coast AFLW side not fronting up with a Pride-themed jumper for Pride Round last week.
The Eagles were the only side in the AFLW not to feature with a themed jumper, with fans nationwide disappointed at the club's decision.
Although his side did sport Pride colours in the training sessions in the leadup to their match against the Crows, disappointing comments from coach Michael Prior in an interview with The West Australian further marred the controversy.
"I think we've done the pride stuff to death to be honest," Prior said.
“I want to talk about the footy, not the jumper.”
The Eagles coach later apologised however most recently, Nisbett issued a statement expressing his regret over the events.
“In short, we got it wrong by not having a Pride Round guernsey ready for 2022,” Nisbett said in an open letter.
“We have always acknowledged the role of the AFLW Pride Round in promoting recognition and inclusion for LGBQTIA+ people and the challenges faced by the community.
“We have long championed diversity and inclusion as a club, and have a strong history in Indigenous, multicultural and female football programs and activities, amongst others.”
This controversy is one of a number of off-field setbacks the Eagles side has suffered over the course of the season.
The side's Round 4 clash with the Pies at Victoria Park was postponed on Saturday due to COVID-19 complications throughout the squad, with the AFLW as a whole being crippled in recent weeks by the rampant nature of the Omicron variant.
Additionally, WA Premier Mark McGowan announced his state's borders would not be opening according to schedule, meaning that both the Dockers and Eagles will have to quarantine for 14 days back home upon their return.
On-field, the Eagles haven't been able to make it stick as of current, losing three out of three fixtures against rivals Fremantle, Gold Coast and most recently Adelaide.
With both matches against the Saints and Pies being rescheduled, the Eagles' next run-out will be against the Cats should enough players be available by Friday.
Like West Coast, Geelong are yet to taste victory this season and both sides will go into the encounter at GMHBA Stadium praying that they can finally chalk up a win to kickstart their campaign.
