With one Instagram post, the entire landscape of the AFL changed.
Mitch Brown’s interview with the Daily Aus, in which he became the first openly bisexual current or former men’s AFL player in history, came as the sport has been reckoning with a slew of homophobic incidents across the league.
Brown’s articulate announcement came less than a week after Izak Rankine was suspended for an anti-gay slur during a game — the sixth such publicised incident in the past year-and-a-half.
Having retired in 2016, Brown spoke about the “countless” homophobic insults sent his way over 10 seasons with the West Coast Eagles, acknowledging it would have been harder to come out during his playing career.
But now, with “amazing support around” him, Brown confidently made history, sparking a rush of support from around the league.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon called it “an important moment for him, and for our game”.
“Today is a step forward, and 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,” he said in a league statement.
“The AFL will continue to partner with our clubs, our Pride and Allies groups and the LGBTQI+ community to celebrate inclusion across both our AFL and AFLW competitions.
“Together, our commitment is to keep making football an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone to thrive — and that work never stops.“
Sharrod Wellingham, a teammate of Brown’s at West Coast between 2013 and 2016 said he was “proud and inspired” by the announcement.
“My immediate thought went to it’s such great timing after what’s happened recently and to be able to have someone have the courage and fortitude to make this a reality is really cool,” he told ABC Sport.
“I think it makes it so much more real for everybody who is perhaps under the impression that there weren’t gay players or bisexual players.
“Hopefully it opens doors for other players to feel more comfortable.”
Brown’s former West Coast teammate Sharrod Wellingham praised his announcement while admitting AFL locker rooms weren’t a safe space for discussing sexuality during their respective careers. (7pm TV News WA)
Wellingham backed up Brown’s belief that AFL locker rooms weren’t a safe space for being open about sexuality during their time as teammates.
“I definitely witnessed and probably even said stupid stuff as a player, but times have changed,” he said.
“I know that I’ve become more self-aware. I feel uncomfortable that I could have possibly said something that would have made Mitch feel uncomfortable.
“I think that change is definitely making its way through club land and I just want more players to feel more comfortable in their own skin.
“I feel uncomfortable and I feel sad for Mitch and the potential that other players are in that same position that he has just explained he felt.
“My heart that goes to the fact that I hate there are potentially people who are in the same position that Mitch has explained.”
Brown also spoke of the support from his current partner, Lou.
“She goes, ‘Hey Mitch, I’m so bloody proud of you,'” he told the Daily Aus.
“This is my partner, who’s a woman, holding my hand as we are walking to share my experience about being a bisexual man.”
Ex-wife and former Collingwood Super Netball player Shae Bolton-Brown also said she was proud of him.
Shae Bolton-Brown (pictured with Brown in 2018) said she and their two sons were proud. (Getty Images: Scott Barbour/File)
“Our boys will be proud,” she wrote on Instagram, referring to their two sons.
“I am.”
Fremantle captain, Alex Pearce, also sent out his congratulations to Brown.
“Courageous from Mitch,” he wrote on Instagram.
“This game should be one that respects and provides a safe environment for everyone.
“His example should help us continue to grow as a sport.”
The GWS Giants put any on-field rivalries aside and were quick to show their love, while Brown’s former team also praised him.
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On their post, Pride Football Australia commented: “This is really excellent, GWS. Hopefully other clubs follow your lead.”
The Western Bulldogs commented on the Daily Aus Instagram post: “This is great.”
And Carlton’s official Pride supporter group said the announcement “is going to mean so much to so many”.
“History has been made today,” the group posted on Instagram.
“An incredible show of courage and vulnerability. We’re with you Mitch.“
Outside the league, NBL player Isaac Humphries said the announcement marked “big steps forward”.
Humphries, who now plays for the Adelaide 36ers, came out publicly in 2022 in an emotional speech to his teammates at Melbourne United.
United’s official account was among those expressing support for Brown on social media.
More proclamations came from across the sporting spectrum, with former AFLW star Kate McCarthy and tennis legend Dylan Alcott reaching out.
Former Geelong, Essendon and Melbourne player Mitch Brown put out a statement praising his namesake after receiving congratulatory messages. (Getty Images: Quinn Rooney)
Brown shares a name with the former Geelong, Essendon and Melbourne forward, who put out a statement to clarify any confusion.
“I want to acknowledge that there has been some understandable confusion recently, as a former AFL player, Mitch Brown has shared that he is bisexual,” he wrote on Instagram.
“Some people have reached out to me under the impression that I was the one who made that announcement and I just want to make sure the praise and encouragement is going to the right person.
“That said, I have nothing but admiration and respect for him.
“His openness is an important step in making our game and community a safer, more inclusive place for everyone.”
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