The AFL witnessed a groundbreaking moment this week when former West Coast Eagles defender Mitch Brown publicly came out as bisexual, becoming the league’s first player to do so. His announcement sparked a wave of reflection across the sport, especially from his former coach Adam Simpson, who admitted it forced him to look back at the locker-room environment during his tenure.

Speaking on SEN Radio, Simpson described Brown’s announcement as “brave” and acknowledged that the Eagles’ culture at the time was far from perfect. Brown himself described the club environment as “hyper-masculine,” a reality that made it difficult for him and, perhaps, others to truly be themselves.

“You start to reflect — and we all should do this — what was my leadership platform back then, and how were we as a club with a player who was obviously going through certain things that were uncomfortable?” Simpson said. “That probably just shows you that you think you’re going OK, but there’s always improvement.”

The brave voice of Mitch Brown

Brown, who played for West Coast until 2016, revealed that the highly masculine culture of AFL locker rooms had weighed heavily on him. His coming out is not just personal but also symbolic — a push for greater inclusivity in one of Australia’s most popular sports.

In AFL history, discussions of sexuality have been rare, with many players staying silent about their personal lives. Brown’s decision changes that, and experts believe it could pave the way for others.

Erik Denison, a behavioural scientist at Monash University, has studied homophobia in sports for over a decade. He called Brown’s comments “a landmark” because they openly connected a homophobic sporting environment with a player’s retirement. “We haven’t heard that kind of direct criticism before from other players who have come out,” Denison said. “So this is an important turning point.”

Adam Simpson’s reflection

For Simpson, who began coaching the Eagles in 2014, Brown’s honesty prompted him to reconsider his leadership at the time. He revealed that the club had attempted to change its culture around the mid-2010s by introducing the “accept and care” model, aimed at creating a more supportive environment.

“It’s generational as much as it’s education,” Simpson explained. “We’ll look back in another decade and say, ‘We were old-school in 2025.’ That’s the nature of evolving as people and as clubs.”

Simpson also linked Brown’s courage to the story of his former North Melbourne Kangaroos teammate Dani Laidley, a transgender woman who has spoken publicly about her struggles after being outed in 2020. “How brave — it’s fantastic … the ability to express yourself, a lot like Dani Laidley as well over the years,” Simpson said.

Other voices in AFL

Former Carlton Football Club and Brisbane Lions star Brendan Fevola also weighed in, saying AFL locker rooms were “very masculine” environments during his career between 1999 and 2010.

“I probably would have played with some players that were gay — and I don’t know because no one else has ever come out — but I’d have no problem with it,” Fevola said on The Fox’s Fifi, Fev & Nick show. “I think Mitch has started something that will encourage other people. He should be able to express himself. Hopefully, this encourages other players to say, ‘Well, if Mitch can do it, so can I.’”

For Fevola, the announcement shed light on what many players may have silently endured. “Imagine playing with that on your head and shoulders,” he added, pointing to the mental toll of hiding one’s identity in such an environment.

Why this matters

Sport has long been a reflection of broader society, and Brown’s declaration underscores how much progress is still needed. The AFL has made strides in addressing inclusivity, but cultural change is slow. Simpson’s honest admission — that even strong leaders might have missed the mark in creating safe spaces — shows that professional sport is beginning to recognize its responsibility.

Brown’s step is likely to resonate not only with players but with fans who look up to AFL stars. For younger athletes questioning their own identity, his courage provides visibility and hope.

Denison believes the ripple effect could be significant: “What Brown has done is shine a light on the areas AFL needs to address. It’s not just about celebrating bravery; it’s about confronting the reasons players didn’t feel safe before.”

As more athletes share their truths, the “hyper-masculine” walls of professional locker rooms may continue to come down. And if the words of Simpson and Fevola are anything to go by, the AFL community appears ready to embrace change.

Brown’s journey may mark just the beginning of a new chapter in the AFL — one where players are truly free to be themselves, without fear of judgment or exclusion.

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