The Brisbane Lions are proud to showcase the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring to life all the amazing things the Club does both off and on field.

As part of a new series, the Club will highlight staff members from various departments, their roles, background, challenges and advice, to give a snapshot of what it is like to work for the Brisbane Lions.

Katie Gorry is the current Design Manager, overseeing and designing all brand which is the entire collection of physical and digital assets which support and promote the brand identity at the Club.

Every graphic, logo or digitally created image comes across Katie’s desk before being sent out to our members, fans and the public.

We sat down with Katie as she gave us insight into what it is like to be a part of the Lions pride.

How long have you been at the Club and what different roles have you been involved in?

I originally started with the Club, seven and a half years ago, in September 2016, as a receptionist at our social club, LIONS@Springwood. In 2017 I became the first in-house Graphic Designer for LIONS@Springwood and simultaneously interned for the Brisbane Lions Head Office. By early 2019, I was offered the opportunity to work fulltime at our Head Office at the Gabba as one of two Graphic Designers. Since then, over the span of 5 years, I have advanced from Graphic Designer, Senior Graphic Designer and to my current role of Design Manager, where I oversee and design all brand collateral for the Brisbane Lions.

What is are a few of the best things about working at the Brisbane Lions?

Working for the Brisbane Lions there is never has a dull moment, every day is different with thrilling challenges and exciting projects that keep the job fresh. We are given so many opportunities to grow and get to work with such highly skilled people in so many fields. And let's be honest, the excitement of seeing our designs come to life through signage and on game day, that's a feeling which never gets old.

What are some of the challenges of working in sport?

In the world of sport and design, deadlines can be incredibly tight, especially during the season. There are a lot of days where we have under an hour to turn around our projects. The fast-paced nature of the industry demands quick decision-making and the ability to adapt to ever-changing circumstances.

What are some of the lessons you’ve learnt during your time at the Club?

During my time here, I have had the privilege of encountering so many brilliant people whose support and guidance have played a pivotal role in shaping my journey and experience. Among the multitude of lesson learned, two stand out: the importance of embracing feedback and maintaining versatility. The second; the sports industry is constantly evolving, so being able to adapt to change and work across various design mediums, such as digital, print, and motion graphics, is absolutely essential.

What is some advice you’d give to young people wanting to get involved in the industry?

Look for internships, volunteer opportunities or part-time roles, they are some of the best ways to build your skills and get your foot in the door. Don’t be afraid to try and create your own path, you don’t always have to find one that already exists.

What would be your goal song? 

Breaking Free – High School Musical.

Favourite player/players?
Jonathan Brown stands as my all-time favourite player. His tough and fearless approach on the field, coupled with an exceptional skill level, is truly unmatched.

 Favourite moment or experience from working at the Lions?

The 2023 AFL Grand Final stands as my favourite experience from working at the Brisbane Lions. The electrifying atmosphere, energy, and the sheer magnitude of the event created an unforgettable experience. But what made it truly special was more than just the game itself—it was the opportunity to come together with our entire club, to share in the excitement and emotion as one united team. Witnessing the players' determination on the grandest stage was incredible but experiencing it alongside my Lions family made it an unforgettable moment.