Quick Read
- Leigh Ryswyk publicly came out as gay on March 25, 2026.
- He is the first openly gay current or former AFL player.
- Ryswyk played one game for Brisbane Lions in 2005 before a SANFL career.
- His family, especially his parents, showed strong support.
- He follows former AFL player Mitch Brown, who came out as bisexual in 2025.
ST KILDA (Azat TV) – Leigh Ryswyk, former Brisbane Lions player and South Australian National Football League (SANFL) Hall of Famer, publicly came out as gay on March 25, 2026, during an interview on JOY 94.9’s GayFL program. This announcement makes Ryswyk the first current or former Australian Football League (AFL) player to come out as gay, a landmark moment in the sport’s history and for LGBTQ+ representation in Australian professional athletics.
Leigh Ryswyk’s AFL and SANFL career and his public coming out
Ryswyk played one AFL game for the Brisbane Lions in 2005, wearing the number 32 guernsey previously worn by Shaun Hart. His AFL career was brief due to a quad injury sustained during that match against Fremantle, which prevented him from regaining senior selection. He was delisted at the end of the season but continued to excel in the SANFL with North Adelaide, playing 226 games and earning a place in the Queensland Football Hall of Fame. His coming out publicly after being out privately to close friends for five years marks a significant personal and public milestone.
Reactions from AFL community and Brisbane Lions
The AFL and Brisbane Lions have not issued immediate formal statements, but industry leaders and JOY Media CEO Paul Scott-Williams have praised Ryswyk’s bravery. Scott-Williams emphasized the importance of Ryswyk’s openness in fostering inclusion and support for LGBTQ+ athletes. Ryswyk himself expressed optimism, saying he believes the AFL community and fans will embrace any future player who comes out during their career.
Comparisons with Mitch Brown and the evolving culture in Australian football
Ryswyk follows in the footsteps of former West Coast Eagles defender Mitch Brown, who came out as bisexual in 2025, becoming the first openly bisexual AFL player. Ryswyk’s public announcement as gay now broadens visible representation within the AFL and signals a cultural shift towards greater acceptance and inclusivity in a traditionally conservative sport. Both athletes’ decisions have opened conversations about mental health, identity, and support within Australian football.
The broader significance of Leigh Ryswyk’s announcement for Australian sports
Ryswyk shared intimate reflections on the support he received from his family, describing emotional conversations with his parents, particularly his father’s affirmation that happiness matters most. His story highlights the ongoing challenges and progress in coming out in elite sports environments. As the first openly gay AFL player, Ryswyk’s visibility is expected to encourage others in the sports community to live authentically and safely.
Leigh Ryswyk’s public coming out is not only a personal revelation but also a pivotal cultural moment for Australian football. His visibility as the first openly gay AFL player underscores the slow but significant progress in inclusivity within a sport historically characterized by traditional masculinity. This milestone complements recent steps toward diversity, indicating that the AFL’s culture is evolving to better support athletes of diverse identities, which could have lasting implications for recruitment, retention, and mental health in the sport.