Katie Lynch wants to see AFL 'harness the momentum' of Pride Round

Katie Lynch, a player for the Gold Coast Suns in the AFLW, believes that Pride Round is a crucial time for the competition each year. Occurring two weeks before the men's season concludes and a month before the women's finals begin, Pride Round injects enthusiasm and joy into the competition. Lynch, who has witnessed the positive impact of Pride Round firsthand, would like to see this momentum extend beyond the AFLW and into the wider AFL, including men's teams, club staff, and fans.

The dedicated league-wide Pride Round, introduced in 2021, celebrates LGBTQ+ inclusion and diversity, providing a platform for education on queer issues. Lynch acknowledges that while some LGBTQ+ fans and community members have felt excluded from the sport in recent years, the AFL is taking steps to combat homophobic language, with 10 cases of sanctioned homophobic language among listed players or coaches in the past three years.

Lynch believes that an extended Pride Round could help foster a more inclusive environment, increase visibility, and strengthen the connection between players, the code, and fans. The Gold Coast Suns player also highlighted the importance of representation, sharing that her friend Mady Peters, who has no background in Australian Rules football, has now formed an attachment to the game through the Pride movement.

Lynch's Pride Round guernsey, designed alongside teammate Lily Mithen and tattoo artist Mady Peters, features a tramp stamp and other queer-themed elements. Lynch's goal is to harness the growing momentum from Pride Round and use it to expand the positive impact on the entire AFL.