AFL: Former player makes history by coming out as bisexual

Mitch Brown hopes his decision to speak on his sexuality will create a safer space for others.

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Mitch Brown, who played 94 matches for the West Coast Eagles between 2007 and 2016, told The Daily Aus that the weight of hiding his sexuality played a "huge" part in his decision to retire.

He added that he hoped his decision to speak would create the "safety, comfort and space" for others to come forward.

The AFL had been the only major professional men's sport globally to never have had an openly gay or bisexual player, even after retirement.

Brown first shared the news in a direct message to The Daily Aus's social media account after watching coverage of recent incidents of homophobia in the AFL.