'It's up to all of us': AFL captain's message after Mitch Brown becomes first AFL player to come out as bisexual

Mitch Brown has become the first player in AFL history to come out as bisexual, leading to widespread support from clubs and the footy community.

The former West Coast defender, who spent a decade in the league, revealed the news this week in an interview with The Daily Aus.

Brown - who played 94 games for the Eagles - sent a direct message via social media to the platform and then publicly revealed his sexuality for the first time.

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"I played in the AFL for 10 years for the West Coast Eagles, and I'm a bisexual man," his message to The Daily Aus said.

The 36-year-old explained his decision to come out in an interview with the outlet and why it was difficult to show his true self in a "hyper-masculine" sport.

"It wasn't so much hours [of contemplation]. It was a moment in time for me, and it was seconds," Brown explained.

"I had this feeling of peace, but more importantly, comfort and confidence.

"I remember two people having a conversation around how they would feel having a shower next to a gay man, and one of the players said, 'I'd rather be in a cage full of lions than have a shower next to a gay man'.

"There's been so many times in my life that I've seen things or heard things and not said anything, in fear of people thinking that I was gay or bisexual."

Brown's public comments comes after the league handed down a four-game suspension to Adelaide Crows star Izak Rankine for using homophobic language.

The former Eagles player's advice to the AFL in the wake of yet another incident of this nature was to implement widespread change.

Collingwood captain Darcy Moore praised Brown, posting to Instagram: "Amazing courage from Mitch. Our industry has work to do to be safer for everyone. Not just in words, but in action and it's up to all of us".

Fremantle captain Alex Pearce similarly posted: "Courageous from Mitch. This game should be one that respects and provides a safe environment for everyone".

Those within the community were quick to laud Brown's braveness, with former AFLW player turned broadcaster Kate McCarthy - who is openly gay - leading the way.

"To be honest, given the events we saw last week with Izak Rankine and everything that played out, I thought we were miles away from anyone in the men's program feeling comfortable to come out and identify as part of the queer community," she said on Triple M's The Rush Hour with JB & Billy on Wednesday afternoon.

"I didn't really believe it, to be completely honest, when I first saw it. It shouldn't take courage for someone to tell people who you really are … it shouldn't but it does.

"It takes immense courage and immense bravery, nothing but [pride] and so much love to Mitch Brown for taking this step."

McCarthy was asked by co-host Billy Brownless whether Brown's public reveal could prompt other male players past and present to come out.

"You'd hope so," she said.

"You'd hope that it makes it less of a huge step forward. Being the first has always been this 'thing' for a lot of male footballers. To be the first is very hard, so I really hope that it shows there is a world in which it is accepted, and it is OK.

"The world is a long way ahead of where we are as an AFL society and men's football. The world will say this isn't a big deal. But the men's side of football shows that it is."

Multiple AFL clubs, including the Eagles, posted to social media in support of Brown.

AFL chief Andrew Dillon also released a statement, supporting Brown's revelation.

"Mitch has shown great courage today in sharing his story and personal journey. This is an important moment for him, and for our game," Dillon said.

"Today is a step forward, and building on Mitch's story we hope that others feel encouraged to be their authentic selves and share their own journeys, and that these stories are met with support from teammates, clubs and the wider football community."