The Carlton Football Club is proud to announce its annual AFL Carlton Respects game has been locked in for the Blues’ Round 12 match against Geelong.
Under the lights of the MCG, Carlton will take on the Cats in a prime-time slot on Friday 29 May at 7:40pm, maximising the message of a cause that impacts so many Australians across the country.
One of the Club’s longest standing initiatives, Carlton Respects celebrates 10 years of championing gender equality and playing a role in the prevention of violence against women.
To mark the milestone year, Carlton’s players will once again take the field in orange socks and a specially designed guernsey, using the match to raise awareness, funds and encourage action for a brighter future.
Orange remains the international colour of respect, symbolising hope and a shared commitment to ending violence against women and girls.
In 2025, Carlton Respects continued to generate significant support, raising more than $417,000 to assist in growing the Road to Respect schools' program, while also supporting women and children directly affected by violence through response and recovery partnerships with Safe Steps and You Matter.
91% of Australians agree that violence against women is a problem. This year’s campaign theme is "Respect, it’s up to us," with Bluebaggers encouraged to attend the match, wear the merch, join the conversation, and play their part in driving meaningful change.
Despite the progress made, the issue remains urgent. More than 1 in 3 Australian men (35%) aged 18-65 years have used intimate partner violence in their lifetime, with 97% of sexual violence perpetrated by men.
Carlton Football Club CEO Graham Wright said Carlton Respects is an important initiative for the Club.
“From the moment I arrived at Carlton, I could see the energy behind Carlton Respects. It has grown into an initiative that our entire Carlton community can be proud of, and this game remains a vital way for our whole club to contribute,” Wright said.
“To be able to acknowledge 10 years of Carlton Respects this year is a significant milestone. We’re incredibly appreciative of the support from our Carlton Respects partners, ambassadors, experts, educators, donors, and all who have contributed to helping over 20,000 students participate in our schools' programs and expand our impact into response and recovery efforts.
“But we also know there is a lot more work that needs to be done. I encourage our entire Carlton family to get to our Round 12 clash against the Cats, get behind our AFL side, and show our support for an incredibly meaningful cause.”
If you wish to support Carlton Respects please click here to donate today. Or get your local primary school involved in our Road to Respect program here.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800respect.org.au. If you, a child, or another person is in immediate danger, call 000.
