Carlton star Darcy Vescio wants the AFL to further investigate ways for transgender people to have a greater involvement in the sport.

For the third-consecutive year, there will be AFLW pride games this weekend to support and celebrate the LGBTIQA+ community.

Vescio’s Blues will take on the Western Bulldogs at the Whitten Oval on Saturday, with both teams running out in rainbow-themed guernseys.

In last year’s pride game, the 26-year-old wore a mouth guard in the colours of the transgender flag.

“Hopefully, the AFL keeps doing more to ensure that they are doing everything they can to have trans people in the game,” Vescio said.

“I think the reason why I chose to wear the trans flag is because they’re still subject to such heavy forms of discrimination.

“We didn’t have trans colours in our jumper last year so I thought I’d put it in my mouth (guard).

“I think the most special part of the (pride) day is that people who might not normally feel comfortable at the footy come to this game.”

Early frontrunners Melbourne will battle newcomers St Kilda in the other pride game on Friday night at Moorabbin.

Saints defender Tilly Lucas-Rodd said it meant so much to players to have the AFL recognising the LGBTIQA+ community.

“I’m gay so, growing up, I didn’t have kind of a role model that I could aspire to be like that,” she said.

“I think it’s really important that we’re visible, that people can see us and have those role models to look up to.”