The Australian Football League reached a historic moment this week after former West Coast Eagles defender Mitch Brown revealed he is bisexual, becoming the first male player in the league’s 129-year history to do so. Brown, who played 94 games for the Eagles between 2007 and 2016, said the burden of hiding his sexuality was a “huge factor” in his decision to retire at 28. His announcement has been widely welcomed as a turning point for inclusivity in the AFL.
Mitch Brown breaks ground in AFL by becoming first male player to announce he is bisexual
Mitch Brown shared his personal story in an interview with The Daily Aus, beginning with the powerful words. “I played in the AFL for 10 years for the West Coast Eagles, and I’m a bisexual man.”Brown explained that during his career, the environment left no room for honesty. “It was never once an opportunity to speak openly or explore your feelings or questions in a safe way,” he said.According to Brown, AFL culture was dominated by “hyper-masculinity” and everyday homophobia. He recalled hearing “countless” slurs both on and off the field and remembered teammates openly discussing discomfort around gay players. “One of the players said, ‘I’d rather be in a cage full of lions than have a shower next to a gay man,’” he recounted. Comments like that, he explained, pushed him to bury his identity and contributed to the growing sense of alienation he felt in football clubs.Even as a teenager, Brown said words like “gay” were used casually as insults. “For a man in Australia, [it was seen as] probably the weakest thing you could be,” he noted. Those experiences, he admitted, shaped his decision to step away from the game while still relatively young.
Mitch Brown sends a message of change and visibility for future AFL players
Now 36, Brown is in a relationship with a woman and raising two sons. He emphasized that his decision to speak publicly is not about being “the first,” but about making others feel seen. “I don’t believe that this is about me. It’s not about Mitch Brown being the first at all. For me, it’s about sharing my experience so others can feel seen,” he said.Brown added that he hopes his announcement creates “safety, comfort, and space” for current players who may be struggling in silence. “I see you and you are not alone,” he said, directly addressing closeted athletes.The former defender’s revelation comes in the wake of growing concern about homophobia in the league. Adelaide Crows forward Izak Rankine was recently suspended for four matches for using a homophobic slur, the sixth similar case in the past months. Brown believes punishment is not enough and urged the AFL to promote positive representation instead. “My advice to the AFL would be, let’s celebrate the players who may not be the most successful, but they’re the most important players in our community,” he said.Also Read: “Hit a million subscribers… cut your hair”: Michael B. Jordan dares Kai Cenat, suggesting to go big after Mafiathon 2Advocacy groups have called Brown’s announcement “an incredibly significant moment” for both the AFL and LGBTQ+ communities.
