Mitch Brown Makes History As First Openly Bisexual Man In AFL – But Which Mitch Brown?
Former West Coast Eagles defender Mitch Brown has come out as bisexual, becoming the first openly bisexual man in the 129-year history of the Australian Football League (AFL). He revealed it on August 27, 2025, in an interview with The Daily Aus, reflecting on a decade in the game and why he stayed quiet during his career from 2007 to 2016. Brown played 94 games and retired at 28, saying the burden of hiding who he was helped push that decision.
What Brown said about the locker room culture.
Brown described the men’s game as “hyper-masculine,” recalling moments that made honest conversations about sexuality feel unsafe. One memory stuck with him: a teammate said he would “rather be in a cage full of lions than have a shower next to a gay man.” Brown said he often stayed silent to avoid being labelled, and he believes there are players today who are still closeted. “I see you and you are not alone,” he said.
"For me, it’s about sharing my experience so others can feel seen.” ❤️
— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) August 27, 2025
Former Eagle Mitch Brown has become the first player in VFL/AFL history to publicly declare he’s a bisexual man.
Full story ➡ https://t.co/IiVS0hXTqH pic.twitter.com/EIIV2SsqI1
Brown’s announcement lands in a season marred by a high-profile suspension for a homophobic slur. Adelaide star Izak Rankine received a four-match ban and education requirements, a reminder that policy alone does not fix culture. Brown is urging structural and day-to-day change, not only tougher penalties. At DNA, we see his story as a signal moment that can move conversations from headlines to habits.
Reactions were swift. West Coast publicly backed Brown, while AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon called it an “important moment” for the game. Health Equity Matters said his choice to speak openly shows “strength and honesty” and can give confidence to people working through questions of identity. Pride Cup’s chief executive, Hayley Conway, called it a “significant moment,” urging clubs to make education compulsory so every player can perform and belong.
A quick clarification on the two Mitch Browns.
There was understandable confusion because there are two former AFL players named Mitch Brown. The man who came out is the West Coast defender who played 94 games from 2007 to 2016. The other Mitch Brown, a forward who played for Geelong, Essendon, and Melbourne between 2011 and 2022, stated to redirect the praise and back his namesake, writing, “His openness is an important step in making our game and community a safer, more inclusive place for everyone.” The clarification followed some posts that used the wrong image.
Brown hopes his story quietly reaches those who need it most, creating “safety, comfort, and space” for players to be themselves. He also wants recognition for everyday role models who carry respect in local footy and beyond, not only the stars on trophy nights. The question now is simple: will clubs invest in real inclusion so a young player never feels they must choose between sport and self?
Experts who study discrimination in sport say Brown’s credibility as a recently retired player can accelerate change because he speaks from lived experience within the code. The men’s competition has lagged on visibility compared with the women’s league, which already runs a Pride Round, and clubs are being pressed to move from statements to standards. We will keep watching how policies, education, and leadership translate on the ground.
