Former AFL player Leigh Ryswyk becomes first openly gay male AFL player past or present

Consensus Summary

Leigh Ryswyk, a former Brisbane Lions player, made history in 2024 by becoming the first openly gay male AFL player past or present after coming out during an interview on Joy 94.9’s GayFL program. Ryswyk played just one AFL match in 2005 for the Lions before suffering a quad injury and being delisted, later enjoying a successful 226-game career with North Adelaide in the SANFL. His announcement followed Mitch Brown’s 2023 revelation as the AFL’s first openly bisexual player. Ryswyk’s closest friends had known about his sexuality for five years, and he emphasized that his private life had not been widely publicized. Clubs like the Brisbane Lions and North Adelaide issued supportive statements, while Ryswyk himself described the public reaction as overwhelmingly positive. He also reflected on societal progress, noting that while AFL clubs and the community are generally inclusive, external factors like fan behavior may still deter players from coming out. Ryswyk’s story underscores ongoing efforts to foster acceptance in Australian football and beyond.