Established in 2014, the Purple Bombers are a fully endorsed Coterie of the Essendon Football Club, and is one of the largest LGBTIQ supporter groups in the AFL.

The Purple Bombers aim to assist the Essendon Football Club, and the AFL in being leaders of change, by creating a safe environment for LGBTIQ supporters and players, by encouraging and promoting diversity, and inclusion within the wider football community. We are committed to removing homophobia from football and are striving towards our ultimate goal of establishing a pride round and assisting other AFL clubs to establish their own LGBTIQ supporter groups. We will also look to support IDAHOBIT day each year and plan to have major events around this day. IDAHOBIT is an acronym that represents the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia & Transphobia.

Brought together by our passion for AFL and all things Essendon, The Purple Bombers are pleased to confirm Matt Tilley as a 2017 ambassador of the Purple Bombers. Matt will work with the Purple Bombers across the year to support our aims for equality in the AFL and AFLW, particularly around significant issues raised on days like IDAHOBIT.

Matt says “LGBTIQ is more than just a crap Scrabble hand. Like footy, it’s all about inclusion and the notion that everyone has a valuable contribution to make. The Purple Bombers embody my belief that what unites us will always conquer what divides us. Footy’s social conscience has come a long way on the field, but still has a little way to go in the stands – I’m proud to be associated with people leading the way”.

“We are very excited to be working with Matt Tilley” says Jason Tuazon-McCheyne, Purple Bombers President. “Matt is a very passionate Essendon supporter, and most importantly is a passionate advocate for equality in Australia. With Matt’s high profile in Melbourne as a long term and successful breakfast radio host, we can’t think of a better person to work with to help achieve our goals and increase awareness of our group”.

www.purplebombers.com