Essendon Football Club is proud to announce The Purple Bombers as its latest coterie group. 

The Purple Bombers supporters group was established in 2014 and aims to assist both the Essendon Football Club and the AFL in being leaders of change through creating a safe environment for LGBTIQ supporters and players. 

Founder of The Purple Bombers, Jason Tuazon-McCheyne, said becoming one of the Club’s coterie groups would help promote this message.  

“We are excited about this opportunity and want to be a coterie that can actively contribute to making Essendon the most inclusive club in the AFL,” Tuazon-McCheyne said. 

“We love Essendon and exist to help make the AFL a safe place for every fan.” 

Essendon Chief Executive Xavier Campbell said the Club has always looked to champion diversity. 

“It is such an important part of our aim be the most respected, inclusive and successful club in the country,” Campbell said.

“Diversity brings fresh ideas to the table.  

“These differences open our minds, they educate us and they challenge us.

“We want our fans to come to the game and feel welcome and as an organisation we want to ensure we’re canvassing a wide range of opinions to get the best outcomes for our Club.

“The formation of The Purple Bombers was a fantastic initiative and we’re proud they have become an official coterie group.

“We will continue to work closely with The Purple Bombers to ensure everyone can enjoy the game in a safe environment."

Last month, Essendon Captain Brendon Goddard helped launch Stand Up: Move in May – a fun run that aims to raise awareness.

The event will also celebrate the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia on May 17.

The Club is working on a number on initiatives to mark the day with further details to be released shortly.