Australian football has recorded a major milestone in history as ex-Brisbane Lions star Leigh Ryswyk becomes the first gay male, either active or inactive, in the Australian Football League. This follows the revelation by ex-West Coast defender Mitch Brown, who came out as bisexual last year. Ryswyk played a solitary game for the Brisbane Lions in 2005, but he has since built a successful career in the SANFL, playing 226 games for North Adelaide. Ryswyk’s journey from Brisbane Lions rookie to SANFL star, and from gay identity to being inducted into the AFL Queensland Football Hall of Fame, is a clear reflection of the changing times for Australian footballers embracing their true identity and making a mark in the history of Australian Rules football.
Ryswyk Becomes First Male AFL Player to Come Out as Gay
Image Source: OutSports
Ryswyk revealed his sexuality during an interview on Wednesday with GayFL on LGBTQI broadcaster JOY 94.9. The 41-year-old disclosed that the announcement would not surprise his inner circle.
“To people who know me, my closest friends, this is not new,” Ryswyk told the station. “I’ve been out for five years now. There will be people though, if they do listen to this, it will be the first time they know about this; I’m a very private person, so it’s not all over my social media, and things like that, and that’s fine”.
When asked why he chose this moment to come out publicly, Ryswyk simply responded: “Why not?”.
His announcement follows that of former West Coast player Mitch Brown, who revealed he was bisexual in late 2025, becoming the league’s first openly bisexual player in the AFL’s 129-year history. Brown’s decision broke new ground for the Australian Football League, which had been the only major professional men’s sport globally to never have an openly gay or bisexual player, even after retirement.
Ryswyk expressed confidence that future players who come out will receive strong support. “I think the AFL, and the community, will wrap their arms around that player,” he said. “I think the community itself, obviously the queer community, the fan base, I think in the whole they will celebrate that when the time comes”.
From Brisbane Lions Debut to SANFL Championship Glory
Image Source: Sanfl
Drafted with pick 67 in the rookie draft after impressing at Southport, Ryswyk entered his second season with Brisbane Lions in 2005. He made his debut in round 11 against Fremantle at Subiaco Oval, wearing the recently-retired Shaun Hart’s number 32. Ryswyk recorded four disposals, three of which were score assists, in a convincing win for the Lions. However, a quad strain during that match meant he didn’t retain his place for the next game. He was delisted at the end of the season.
Moving to South Australia in 2006, Ryswyk joined North Adelaide in the South Australian National Football League. Between 2006 and 2018, he compiled 226 games for the club. His contributions extended beyond club football as he represented the SANFL four times in matches against interstate second-tier leagues, kicking ten goals.
Ryswyk earned North Adelaide FC life membership in 2016, followed by SANFL life membership in 2017. His final game came in the 2018 reserves grand final, an achievement made more remarkable by a late-season rib injury that left him barely able to get through training. The match delivered his first career premiership.
Family’s Overwhelming Support Influenced Coming Out Process
Image Source: Chrysalis Mama
Coming out processes for athletes are often influenced by the support that athletes get from their families. From various athletes’ experiences, family support is a key factor that influences mental health outcomes. Carl Nassib, who came out publicly, described the experience as “the most freeing experience of my life” and noted it gave him “peace of mind and clarity” while eliminating the constant worry of hiding his identity.
Family responses vary significantly across the sporting community. Some athletes described fortunate circumstances with supportive relatives. One athlete recalled being “extremely fortunate to have such a supportive family” and acknowledged this wasn’t something to take lightly after becoming immersed in the LGBTQ+ community. Another athlete’s father went through a personal journey and eventually asked, “Why should my kid not be able to marry the person he loves?”
On the other hand, rejection leads to extreme difficulties. Emily Scheck, a college-level cross-country athlete, was at risk of being excommunicated by her own family. Her mother demanded she either undergo conversion therapy or sever ties with her parents and siblings. Athletes who face rejection deal with depression and anxiety. Darrion McAlister, a football player, said he went through “really bad depressive stages a few times a month” before he finally decided to come out. He was constantly thinking about how others would react to his coming out.
Actually, the mental health impact of living a lie affects performance as well as the overall well-being of the athlete.
Conclusion
Ryswyk’s coming out statement is a watershed moment in Australian football history. The announcement signifies the sport’s gradual transition toward inclusivity. His journey from one AFL game to SANFL championship glory and now coming out publicly showcases the difficulties he went through as he navigates his own identity. Therefore, Ryswyk and Mitch Brown’s coming out announcement is a huge step forward for the sport. The AFL community is now ready to support any athlete who comes out and declares their authenticity.
FAQs
Q1. Who was the first male AFL player to publicly come out as gay?
Leigh Ryswyk, a former Brisbane Lions player, became the first past or present male AFL player to come out as gay. He made his announcement in 2026 during an interview on GayFL radio show on LGBTQI broadcaster JOY 94.9.
Q2. How long did Leigh Ryswyk play professional football?
Ryswyk played one AFL game for the Brisbane Lions in 2005 against Fremantle at Subiaco Oval. He then moved to South Australia and played 226 games for North Adelaide in the SANFL between 2006 and 2018, earning life membership from both the club and the league.
Q3. Was Leigh Ryswyk the first openly LGBTQ+ player in the history of the AFL?
No, because the first openly bisexual player was Mitch Brown, who was a member of the West Coast Eagles and came out as bisexual at the end of 2025. Leigh Ryswyk was the first openly gay player, and this was in the year 2026.
Q4. How long had Leigh Ryswyk been out privately before his public announcement?
Ryswyk had been out to his closest friends and inner circle for five years before making his public announcement. He described himself as a very private person who doesn’t share everything on social media, which is why many people were unaware of his sexuality.
Q5. What did Leigh Ryswyk achieve in his SANFL career?
During his time with North Adelaide, Ryswyk played 226 games, represented the SANFL four times in interstate matches (kicking ten goals), earned club life membership in 2016 and SANFL life membership in 2017, and won his first career premiership in the 2018 reserves grand final.
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