A former Aussie Rules player has come out as the first openly gay or bisexual man in the Australian Football League's (AFL) 129-year history.

Mitch Brown, who played 94 matches for the West Coast Eagles from 2007 to 2016, disclosed that the pressure of hiding his sexuality significantly affected his decision to retire.

He expressed hopes that his public acknowledgment would create a sense of safety, comfort, and space for others grappling with similar issues.

This announcement marks a pivotal shift for the AFL, as it had never had an openly gay or bisexual player in its ranks, even post-retirement, making it the last major professional men’s sport worldwide to do so.

Brown's journey to this moment began with a conversation he had while observing recent incidents of homophobia within the sport, which led him to message The Daily Aus about his own experiences.

I played in the AFL for 10 years for the West Coast Eagles, and I'm a bisexual man, he asserted, illustrating the impact of feeling unaccepted during his active years.

Reflecting on his past, he noted the prevailing culture of hyper-masculinity which often stifled open discussions about sexual orientation, contributing to a hostile atmosphere for LGBTQ+ players.

Additionally, he recounted a teammate’s distressing comment about sharing showers with a gay man, which characterized the toxic attitudes present in the league.

At 36, Mitch Brown is in a relationship with a woman and has two children from a previous marriage. He believes there are many gay and bisexual players still hiding in the AFL and urges the community to cultivate empathy for these individuals.

In light of recent high-profile homophobic incidents in the AFL, including a player receiving a four-week ban for using a slur, Brown advocates for the uplifting of positive male role models as a means to propel the culture forward.

Let us celebrate the players who might not be the most successful, but are vital to our communities was his poignant message for change in AFL culture.

Brown’s brave disclosure not only sets a new standard for acceptance in the AFL but also serves as encouragement for other players afraid to come out.

He concluded with a heartfelt reassurance to those still in the closet: I see you and you are not alone.