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Historic moment as ex-AFL player comes out
Leigh Ryswyk, a former Brisbane Lions player, has publicly revealed he is gay, marking the first time an AFL athlete has done so in the competition's 129-year history. The announcement follows Mitch Brown's disclosure last year as bisexual, the first in the league.
Ryswyk's journey to coming out
Ryswyk, 41, shared his story in a radio interview on Melbourne's Joy 94.9, stating he had been open with friends for five years but only recently told his parents. He described the experience as emotionally overwhelming but ultimately positive.
"When you come out to your family, it's a massive experience-there's a lot going on in your head. I sat down with Mum, and she was crying, and I was crying, but she said, 'I still love you.' That was a wow moment."
Leigh Ryswyk
His father's reaction was equally supportive, telling him, "I love you, it doesn't matter, as long as you're happy I'm happy." Ryswyk noted that while his close friends knew, many others would hear the news for the first time through the interview.
AFL's evolving stance on LGBTQ+ players
The AFL had been the only major professional men's sport globally without an openly gay or bisexual player-until Brown's announcement in August 2025. Brown, who played for the West Coast Eagles from 2007 to 2016, cited the burden of hiding his sexuality as a key factor in his retirement.
Ryswyk expressed optimism about the league's future support for LGBTQ+ players, stating, "I think the AFL and the community will wrap their arms around that player. The queer community and fan base will celebrate it when the time comes."
Ryswyk's football career
Originally from Victoria, Ryswyk moved to Queensland to join the Brisbane Lions, playing one AFL match against Fremantle in 2005 before injuries led to his delisting. He later found success in the South Australian league, playing over 220 games for North Adelaide and earning induction into the AFL Queensland Hall of Fame.
What's next for the AFL?
Ryswyk's announcement adds momentum to the conversation about LGBTQ+ inclusion in men's professional sports. While he remains private on social media, his openness in the interview could encourage others in the league to follow suit.
