Nicola Stevens is a name synonymous with the AFLW. A player that was there when IKON Park locked its gates 10 years ago, all the way through to now as a stalwart of the St Kilda backline.

But it's her life off the field that continues to inspire, and pave a path for LGBTQIA+ athletes to follow.

Stevens is an openly gay AFLW player, and has recently taken the massive life step of welcoming a child into the world with partner Elise.

"Juggling AFLW with personal life and work has always been a really tricky battle, from 2017 when the first season kicked off we've always spoken about how we're going to balance these things," Stevens said.

"Ten seasons down the track, we're still talking about the same thing and this last month has been the ultimate test of that.

"Turning up to football has looked different the last couple of weeks... But I've made a commitment to my teammates and hopefully they can see that I'll give 100 per cent effort every time."

Stevens and Elise welcomed baby Otis into the world just four weeks ago, and he is yet to see his mum lose a game.

The Saints have gone on a four-game winning streak, with Stevens dubbing him the team's 'lucky charm'.

"The first few weeks of becoming a Mum have been absolutely incredible, it's been a bit of a roller coaster," Stevens said.

"Watching Elise carry Otis through her pregnancy and watching her birth him was really magical, it's really hard to put into words to be honest.

"I feel like we've been on this journey and shared every moment together and it's brought us so much closer together.

"This is just the start of our next chapter together."

Stevens began her AFLW career at Collingwood, playing all seven of their games in the first season while claiming best and fairest and All-Australian honours, before making the big switch to Carlton.

Stevens then spent five years at the Blues, playing every available game and joining the leadership group, as well as runner-up best and fairest honours.

The move to the Saints came in 2022, where she again played every available game up until this season, where Otis' arrival saw the streak come to an end.

"I missed my first AFLW game a few weeks ago on Otis' due date when the team was up in Cairns but there was no way I was going to miss being part of that really special moment," Stevens said.

"It's really special having Otis watch me play football and build a career playing AFLW.

"One day I hope he can go to school and tell all of his friends that his mum was a professional athlete and hopefully say that with a lot of pride.

"And I want him to be able to say that he has two Mums and hope that he can grow up in a world where families come in all shapes and forms.

The Saints family have all welcomed Otis into the fold, presenting him with his own jumper and regularly filling the facility of RSEA Park with chatter of excitement whenever Stevens brings him into the space.

"The club has been really supportive of Elise and I starting a family and we've had really open dialogue," Stevens said.

"We have constant conversations about how they can best support me and where I need a bit of extra time at home and where I can prioritise my time better with training and recovery.

Stevens' journey as an openly gay athlete has seen her break down barriers for over 10 years, a journey that she is grateful for every time she takes the field.

"Looking back on the last 10 years... it's really humbling to see where I've come from and who I am now," Stevens said.

"I never would have thought I'd be this far down the track where hopefully I'll be able to walk onto the field with Otis in my arms."

The AFLW will be hosting its sixth Pride Round over the next two weeks, an initiative that has allowed players like Stevens and others to showcase their pride in themselves and those around them that support in everyday life.

"Pride Round is important because we're not quite there yet," Stevens said.

"We need to be able to celebrate everyone for who they are, whether they feel safe or feel like they're ready to be celebrated.

"I like to think that in the future we're not going to need a moment in time to celebrate diversity and inclusion, and we can just celebrate it year round.

"In the past when I've worn the Pride guernsey, I've always been really comfortable to be who I am and that's a testament to being involved in the AFLW program since it's inception.

"It's always been a really inclusive space for me to be who I am and that's allowed me to really flourish.

"This year it will feel even more different and even more unique and special being able to wear it with pride for my partner and my son to celebrate us and our family and all the other little rainbow families out there."