For the first time, all AFL players and staff will be required to complete an LGBTQI+ education module this season. The initiative comes after several incidents involving homophobic slurs on the field during the previous AFL season.
In 2023, three players—Jeremy Finlayson, Wil Powell, and Lance Collard—were sanctioned for using homophobic language against opponents. Additionally, North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson was fined $20,000 and given a suspended two-match ban after directing homophobic language at players during a pre-season match in March 2024.
The AFL’s Executive General Manager of Inclusion and Social Policy, Tanya Hosch, confirmed that before the new season begins, the league’s 787 players and 3,232 officials will complete the training.
“The new education module is really trying to improve people’s understanding about the dangers of homophobia, transphobia, and discriminatory behaviour towards people who might be gender diverse, gay, or lesbian,” Hosch told ABC Sport.
“It’s our responsibility to make sure that this game is safe for everyone—not just at the elite level, but at all levels of the game.”
Creating a Safer and More Inclusive AFL
Hosch emphasised that the impact of discriminatory language is not harmless and that players and officials must be aware of the consequences.
“This module is designed to help people understand what’s okay, what’s not okay, and also to help people appreciate that the impact of that language is significant. It’s not a harmless matter. It does have consequences.”
The LGBTQI+ education module will also be expanded to lower levels of Australian Rules Football in the coming months.
Hosch acknowledged that while incidents of homophobic slurs on the field were disappointing, it was encouraging to see players taking accountability for their actions.
“What was pleasing was that people acknowledged that they’d done the wrong thing,” she said.
“I always say, you can’t address a problem you don’t talk about. Hopefully, this will assist the conversations that we need to have and encourage more training in club environments and across the code overall.”
Will the AFL Introduce a Pride Round?
While the AFLW has a dedicated Pride Round, the AFL men’s competition does not. Instead, St Kilda and the Sydney Swans play an annual Pride Game.
Although LGBTQI+ players are represented in the AFL, no male players have publicly come out.
“The Pride Game between St Kilda and Sydney is really well attended, and it’s one of the most colourful games to go to. I absolutely love going to that game,” Hosch said.
When asked about the possibility of a men’s AFL Pride Round, Hosch said there are currently no plans, but she did not rule it out.
“We’re asked to add all sorts of themed rounds to the men’s competition. There’s a long list. I’m not saying [a Pride Round] won’t ever happen, but I also can’t promise it will.”
Hosch pointed out that successful themed rounds, such as the Indigenous Round, were player-led initiatives, and a Pride Round could follow a similar path.
“A lot of player-led initiatives are the ones that really take hold because we need the players to be comfortable and supportive.”
While a men’s AFL Pride Round remains uncertain, the introduction of LGBTQI+ training marks a significant step toward fostering a more inclusive and respectful sporting environment.
