Mitch Brown made history on Wednesday, after the West Coast Eagles legend became the first AFL player, past or present, to come out as bisexual.
Now the footy star has a message for the AFL, stating that it is time for clubs to start properly committing to increasing awareness around inclusion and stop homophobia.
Brown was drafted to the Eagles in 2006 before going on to make 94 appearances for the footy club during a glittering footy career, ultimately hanging up his boots in 2016.
The 36-year-old made the announcement with the simple phrase: ‘I played in the AFL for 10 years for the West Coast Eagles and I’m a bisexual man.’
His announcement came as Adelaide Crows star Izak Rankine was slapped with a four-match ban after he became the sixth AFL player in the past 16 months to be suspended for a homophobic slur directed at an opposition player.
Rankine’s comment has sparked much discourse on whether the league is doing enough to create inclusive spaces, with the AFL receiving some criticism for how it handled the situation.
Former AFL player Mitch Brown has called on the AFL to work harder to help promote inclusivity
Brown is the first player in the history of the VFL or AFL to declare he isn’t straight – and the move from the ex-West Coast defender (pictured) was widely praised in footy circles
Rankine had been looking at a five-match suspension but ultimately was handed a four-match ban, after the Crows had made several ‘compelling medical submissions’ to the AFL.
Brown has now issued a direct message to the league to work harder in this space to help foster a culture where everyone feels like they belong.
‘This is also a call to action,’ Brown said in a message published on his Instagram, in which he also thanked his followers for their support. ‘It’s time for the AFL and the clubs to commit to genuine change, embedding inclusion not just in words, but in culture, policies and everyday actions.
‘If we can make our game a better place where everyone belongs, the ripple effect on Australian society will be profound.
‘I look forward to joining the movement that started long before me to create a safer, more inclusive sport and society for everyone.’
The AFL has a zero-tolerance policy in relation to homophobia and in recent years, the league has been making progress to create a culture of belonging and has notably introduced its LGBTQIA+ action plan.
As part of the Action Plan, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon writes: ‘I want to be clear: there is absolutely no place for homophobia, biphobia, or transphobia – or any form of discrimination for that matter – in our game, workplace, or society.’
Mitch Brown took to Instagram on Sunday to thank those who have supported him following his announcement last week
While he admitted he had been fearful over how the news would be received, Brown stated that the reception had given him hope for the future
Brown has received widespread support from many in both the footy world and wider community for coming out as bisexual. The comments section of his post on Sunday was filled with messages of support.
One Instagram user wrote: ‘Thanks so much Mitch! This means more than you’ll ever know.’
Another added: ‘Thank you so much for your bravery from everyone at @rainbowadelaidecrows.
‘The action you took has been a shinning light after a very difficult fortnight for us footy loving queers, especially us who support Adelaide. This is work I and we have been doing for over 9 years now and we hope this is the beginning of positive change. We look forward to continuing our work together to make the AFL environment more inclusive.’
While he admitted he had been fearful over how the news would be received, Brown stated that the reception had given him hope for the future.
‘The fact this has been so positively received gives me hope for what this might mean for young people, especially queer young Australians, who are still finding their place in the world. If even one of them feels less alone, less afraid, or more confident to be themselves, then it has been worth it.
‘I have been overwhelmed by the kindness, encouragement and solidarity that has poured in from people across Australia and around the world. Every message, every story shared, every word of support has meant more to me than I can say. I will carry that gratitude with me always.’
He also took a moment to praise several other Australian athletes.
‘I want to acknowledge those who came before me – often at great personal cost – to make sport, and society, more inclusive. People like Jason Ball, Ian Roberts, Isaac Humphries, Josh Cavallo and Danielle Laidley, as well as countless advocates and allies in the queer community, who have paved the way. Their courage is the reason doors are opening now.’
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon (pictured) said Brown’s announcement was ‘a step forward’ for the code
Brown said he wanted to ‘acknowledge that I’m not speaking on behalf of the queer community, I’m only speaking from my own experiences’
‘I’ve always believed in the power of role models, especially for young men. We need more diverse and positive male figures in sport and society. Hyper-masculine environments can weigh heavily on young men’s mental health and stop them from being their true selves. We need to show that real strength is also honesty, kindness and authenticity.
‘This is also a call to action. It’s time for the AFL and the clubs to commit to genuine change, embedding inclusion not just in words, but in culture, policies and everyday actions. If we can make our game a better place where everyone belongs, the ripple effect on Australian society will be profound.
‘I look forward to joining the movement that started long before me to create a safer, more inclusive sport and society for everyone.’
It comes as Brown yesterday hit out at several Aussie rules football clubs after they had failed to acknowledge the historic news.
Last week, GWS, Fremantle, Port Adelaide, the West Coast, Carlton, the Bulldogs, St Kilda, Melbourne, Essendon and Richmond all shared Brown’s news online, with some, including the Swans, hailing the former footy player for his ‘bravery’.
His former club, the Eagles, wrote: ‘The West Coast Eagles proudly support former player Mitch Brown following his courageous decision to publicly share his story today.
‘His decision to speak openly about his identity demonstrates the same courage and integrity he showed throughout his playing career.
‘We are moved by Mitch’s bravery in speaking his truth.
While many AFL clubs acknowledged Brown’s bravery, the silence from four – Collingwood, Brisbane, Geelong and Adelaide – was deafening (pictured, Mitch Brown’s Instagram post)
‘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.’
But Brown had noticed that four clubs, Collingwood, Brisbane, Geelong and Adelaide, had not acknowledged the news.
The former Eagles star took to Instagram to criticise them publicly.
‘Collingwood might not pay my membership next year at this rate,’ Brown – a lifelong Magpies supporter wrote on his Instagram story.
‘Geelong, you know my bro works with you right? ‘Hey Adelaide… nah I won’t even bother.
‘Brisbane Lions, you’re off the hook. The Taylor Swift engagement is so much bigger than this. ‘Who’s next?’
His last comment came after the Lions had published a photo of Swift and Travis Kelce on social media following their engagement last week. However, they failed to acknowledge Brown’s news.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon also issued a statement on the news, lauding Brown for his courage.
Brown also urged others to head out and watch an AFLW match, as he thanked his partner, friends and past team-mates for their support
The Sydney Swans shared a post online from The Daily Aus before also sharing an official statement commending Brown on Saturday (pictured)
‘Mitch has shown great courage in sharing his story and personal journey. This is an important moment for him and for our entire game,’ Dillon said.
‘Building on Mitch’s story we hope 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.
‘The AFL will continue to partner with our clubs, pride groups and the LGBTQI+ community to drive and 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.’
On Sunday, Brown also thanked his family for their support. His ex-wife Shae, with whom he has two sons, had also lauded him following the announcement.
‘Good luck this morning,’ Shae wrote. I’m so proud of you and behind you all the way.
‘This will make the world a slightly better place for our boy and young men in Australia … This is living the values of the kind of man I want our boys to grow up to be.’
Brown also urged others to also head out to watch an AFLW match.
‘First, I want to thank my partner, Lou. Her love, strength and resilience have been my anchor through all of this. I also want to thank Shae and our two boys and my family – I could never have had done this without them. To Sam and the TDA team, thank you for your care and professionalism. Speaking to you felt like opening up to my best mate.
‘I also want to acknowledge the AFLW. These players, staff and fans are already showing us what an inclusive, supportive environment looks like. The players are role models not only for young women, but for every young Australian who is searching for a place where they can belong. I encourage everyone to go and watch an AFLW game – you’ll see what the future of our game can and should look like.’
