Haneen Zreika breaks her silence on sitting out AFLW Pride round

GWS coach Alan McConnell insists the bond Haneen Zreika shares with her AFLW teammates remains intact, despite her decision to sit out the Pride round on religious grounds.

It comes as Zreika broke her silence via Instagram, explaining what she described as an «extremely difficult» decision. 

«As the first Australian Muslim woman in the AFLW, I have a responsibility to represent my faith and my community,» Zreika wrote.

«I respect people, regardless of their sexual orientation.

»This decision was extremely difficult and I appreciate the support of AFL, [the] Giants, my teammates. 

«Inclusion is about creating a space where people are able to respect their right to choose how they live their life as long as they don't advocate hate and division. 

»My platform is not a place for people to disrespect and harass others so please be kind."

Zreika dropped a bombshell this week when she announced to her teammates that she would sit out Friday's home clash with the Bulldogs in order to avoid wearing the team's Pride guernsey.

The 22-year-old strives to be a leader in the Muslin community, and it's believed she feared wearing the jumper could compromise her standing.

McConnell addressed the issue after his team's 21-point win over the Bulldogs.

«As I said to Haneen, we can have similar opinions, different opinions, but they'll never break the bond that we have for one another and that she has with her teammates,» McConnell said.

«I'm very comfortable and confident that's all intact.

»We empathise with the challenges she faces in these circumstances.

«But, equally, we're really proud of the connection and obligations we have to the LBGTQI community.

»The truth is, this has been a special round and a special couple of weeks for [the] Pride