The first current or former AFL player to publicly come out as gay, Leigh Ryswyk, has called on football fans to demonstrate respect and inclusion ahead of the Adelaide Crows' clash with Collingwood, using the high-profile match to reinforce the importance of eliminating homophobia from the game.
The match marks the first meeting between the two clubs since Adelaide midfielder Izak Rankine received a four-match suspension last season after directing a homophobic slur at Collingwood defender Isaac Quaynor. The incident prompted widespread discussion throughout the AFL about inclusion, player behaviour and creating a safe environment for everyone involved in the sport.
Ryswyk, who publicly came out earlier this year, said he hopes supporters attending the game focus on the football while treating all players with respect. He also criticised the booing directed at Quaynor following last year's incident, saying the defender had done nothing wrong and should not have been targeted by sections of the crowd.
At the same time, Ryswyk acknowledged that people can learn from mistakes. He said Rankine had expressed genuine remorse and believed the Adelaide midfielder had taken responsibility for his actions, adding that education and personal growth are important parts of building a more inclusive sporting culture.
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks echoed that message, encouraging supporters to enjoy the contest while behaving respectfully. He said the club expects the same standards from its players and wants the focus to remain on the quality of the football rather than inappropriate behaviour from spectators.
Since publicly sharing his story, Ryswyk has become an advocate for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in Australian Rules football. He has visited clubs to discuss diversity and has received messages from people around Australia and overseas who say his openness has given them confidence to be themselves.
The former Brisbane Lions player believes the sport has made encouraging progress but acknowledges there is still work to do. Recent incidents involving homophobic language have highlighted the need for continued education at every level of the game, from grassroots football through to the AFL.
Ryswyk said his goal is not to change football but to help ensure everyone feels welcome within it. He hopes that young LGBTQIA+ players can look at the game and believe there is a place for them without feeling they must hide who they are.
His message ahead of the Crows–Magpies match is straightforward: rivalry and passion are part of Australian football, but respect for players, officials and fellow supporters should always come first.
