St Kilda CEO Matt Finnis says the Saints are proud to be involved in the inaugural Pride Game in Round 21 to foster an environment that encourages inclusion and belonging.

Speaking at the Midsumma Pride March along Fitzroy Street in St Kilda, Finnis conceded it would be difficult for a player to reveal his sexuality in the current climate and was hopeful the AFL community can send a strong message of unity and support.

“I think it’s a really difficult issue because with football there is so much scrutiny and media coverage. At the end of the day your sexuality is a very private matter,’’ Finnis said.

“So I think it’s important that the industry sends a very strong message of belonging but ultimately there are so many pressures on footballers these days that I don’t think we should be really trying to intrude o anyone’s privacy.

“That’s certainly not our focus (to reveal a player’s sexual preference). Our focus is to support a welcoming environment where everyone belongs.”

In Round 21, the Saints will host the first game of its kind in global sport when they play Sydney at the MCG, in a game Finnis says will provide an opportunity to spread the message that anyone and everyone is welcome at the football.

“For us the Pride Match is a wonderful opportunity for the Saints and the Swans to stage the first game of its type in world sport,” Finnis said.

“For us that creates a hero opportunity to send a message that says everyone’s welcome, everyone belongs at the footy.

“The sad reality is for so many gay people they haven’t felt comfortable at the football and that’s not right so we’ve got to do what we can to change that.”