Australian Rules football has witnessed a watershed moment as Mitch Brown, a former West Coast Eagles defender, has become the first openly bisexual or gay man in the Australian Football League’s (AFL) 129-year history. Brown’s public revelation, made on August 27, 2025, signals a profound cultural shift in a sport long considered the bastion of hyper-masculinity and conformity, and comes amid renewed scrutiny of homophobia within the code.
Brown, now 36, played 94 matches for the West Coast Eagles between 2007 and 2016. He was drafted as a teenager and spent a decade in the AFL, a period he now describes as deeply challenging due to the need to hide his sexuality. "I played in the AFL for 10 years for the West Coast Eagles, and I’m a bisexual man," Brown told The Daily Aus, sharing his story in a direct message after watching media coverage of yet another homophobic incident in the league.
For Brown, the burden of secrecy was immense. He explained that hiding his true self was a "huge factor" in his decision to retire at just 28. "It was never once an opportunity to speak openly or explore your feelings or questions in a safe way," Brown reflected. The environment, he said, was steeped in a culture where "the word 'gay' was thrown around constantly… For a man in Australia, [it was seen as] probably the weakest thing you could be."
Brown’s decision to come out followed a particularly troubling incident: Adelaide Crows’ Izak Rankine received a four-week ban for using a "highly offensive" homophobic slur during a recent game. Rankine’s suspension marked the sixth such ban in the past 16 months, underscoring the persistence of homophobic attitudes in the AFL. Brown’s announcement, therefore, was not just personal—it was a pointed response to the league’s ongoing struggle with inclusivity.
Brown described the AFL as a "hyper-masculine environment," recalling countless homophobic remarks and a locker room culture that left little room for vulnerability. He recounted a particularly jarring moment: "I remember two people having a conversation around how they would feel having a shower next to a gay man, and one of the players said, 'I’d rather be in a cage full of lions than have a shower next to a gay man.'" Such comments, Brown said, were not isolated, but part of the daily fabric of life in the league.
Despite the personal cost, Brown said he became adept at hiding not just his sexuality, but his anxieties and worries. "I could bury them so deep," he admitted. Yet, watching the recent spate of homophobic incidents—and the lack of structural change—spurred him to act. "The reactions that I hope for are the ones I won’t hear," he said. "They’re the ones of those young men around Australia going, ‘I feel seen, I feel a little bit safer, and I have a role model—albeit just ordinary old Mitch—a role model I can now look to.’" Brown emphasized, "It’s not about Mitch Brown being the first at all. For me, it’s about sharing my experience so others can feel seen."
Brown’s story has resonated far beyond his own club. Monash University behavioral scientist Dr. Erik Denison underscored the historic nature of the moment: "This is an historic moment for world sport because the AFL is the last major professional sport to be without an openly gay or bisexual male player." Denison suggested Brown’s openness could have a greater impact than previous announcements in other sports, precisely because Brown is "one of the guys… a recent player," and not an outsider. "He’s talking about the problems as an AFL player," Denison told The Associated Press. "That could mean that his words will have a greater impact than others."
Denison and other advocates have called for more than just punitive measures. They argue for structural change—such as a dedicated Pride Round in the men’s competition, similar to the one already established in the AFL Women’s league. Currently, only the Sydney Swans host an annual pride game among men’s clubs. "Having a so-called Pride Round driven by the leading players at the elite clubs and proper messaging from the top level to the grassroots would help the AFL become a more inclusive and diverse for players and supporters," Denison said. "It can’t be changed from the outside and the reason for that is exactly what Mitch is talking about, which is it’s this day-to-day language and banter and culture that exists that needs to be basically short-circuited."
Brown’s announcement has drawn widespread praise. The West Coast Eagles responded with a heartfelt message: "We love you, Mitch!" The club lauded his courage and honesty, stating, "His honesty about his experiences reminds us that we all have work to do in creating truly inclusive and welcoming spaces within our game across the country." AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon echoed this sentiment, describing it as "an important moment for him, and for our entire game." Dillon added, "Building on Mitch’s story we hope that others feel encouraged to be their authentic selves and share their own journeys, and that these stories are met with support from teammates, clubs and the wider football community."
LGBTQ advocacy groups have also celebrated Brown’s bravery. Dash Heath-Paynter, chief executive of Health Equity Matters, noted, "For over a century of AFL competition, no male player has identified as openly bisexual or gay. Mitch’s announcement breaks through decades of silence and opens the door for others who may be on their own journey." The AFL Players’ Association has called for "a more effective and united approach" to tackling homophobia, pressing for deeper reforms following the recent suspensions.
For Brown, life has moved on in some ways. He is currently in a relationship with a female partner and was previously married to former netball player Shae Bolton, with whom he shares two sons. Yet, his message for others struggling in silence is clear: "I see you and you are not alone." He hopes his decision will create the "safety, comfort, and space for others to come forward," and that the AFL will move beyond mere punishment to foster genuine inclusivity.
Australian Rules football, with its storied history and passionate following, now stands at the threshold of change. Brown’s courage has sparked a vital conversation—one that could finally break the cycle of silence and make the sport a place where all players, regardless of sexuality, feel truly at home.
