Mitch Brown’s brave truth changes AFL history
Mitch Brown, a former AFL player, has made history by becoming the first man in the league’s 129-year history to openly identify as bisexual. His announcement, made in an interview with The Daily Aus, has been described as a deeply emotional and powerful moment for both fans and the wider sporting community.
Brown played nearly a decade with the West Coast Eagles, but behind the success and spotlight, he carried the weight of hiding his sexuality. He revealed that this pressure played a major role in his decision to step away from the game. What makes his story even more significant is not only his honesty, but the timing — the AFL is currently dealing with a series of high-profile homophobic incidents, and his voice arrives as a call for change.
For many queer fans, Brown’s words struck a chord. West Coast supporter Kasey Symons, who once met him during the 2015 grand final period, said she felt immense pride. She explained that Brown’s choice to share his truth creates space for kindness, conversation, and belonging in a sport that has long struggled with diversity. She reminded people that while victories are celebrated, they fade quickly — what lasts is the feeling of truly belonging to the game you love.
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That sense of belonging was echoed by others. Rebecca Herft, who works for the LGBTQIA+ youth charity Minus18, said she was overcome with tears and joy when hearing Brown’s news. She shared how she had once been told that no male AFL player would ever come out, but Brown’s bravery shattered that idea and replaced it with hope.
At the same time, Brown did not shy away from describing the harsh culture that shaped his playing years. He spoke openly about hearing homophobic slurs constantly, to the point where it became normalised. He recalled a disturbing moment when a teammate once said he would rather face a cage of lions than shower next to a gay man. These experiences, Brown admitted, were a painful reminder of why so many athletes stay silent about their sexuality.
Former amateur footballer and advocate Jason Ball reflected on Brown’s announcement, saying it made him feel less alone. Ball, who came out more than a decade ago, explained how homophobic jokes and insults were routine in his playing days and how damaging that silence can be. He stressed that unless the AFL tackles its culture head-on, countless talented players will either leave the game or carry the heavy burden of secrecy.
Brown himself is careful to say he is not speaking on behalf of the entire queer community, but he hopes his story will encourage others. “Maybe a second person comes out, and then a third,” he said. His message is simple yet powerful: empathy matters, and no one should feel invisible in a sport they love.
For many, Mitch Brown’s announcement is more than a personal revelation — it is a turning point. It challenges the AFL, its fans, and its culture to create a safer, more inclusive space. And while Brown may no longer be on the field, his courage has already made a lasting impact that goes far beyond the scoreboard.
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