Leigh Ryswyk: Former AFL Player Comes Out as Gay | News
Leigh Ryswyk, a former Brisbane Lions player, has made history as the first openly gay male Australian Football League (AFL) player. The announcement, made on Wednesday, , marks a significant moment for inclusivity in the sport.
Ryswyk follows Mitch Brown, a former West Coast Eagles defender who came out as bisexual last year, in breaking barriers within the AFL community. Even as Brown’s announcement was a landmark step, Ryswyk’s revelation represents the first time a player has publicly identified as gay.
Ryswyk’s AFL career was brief but memorable. Drafted by the Brisbane Lions with pick 67 in the 2005 rookie draft after impressing with Southport, he played a single game for the club that same year. He wore the number 32, recently vacated by Shaun Hart, and recorded four disposals in a win against Fremantle. Unfortunately, a quad strain suffered during that game prevented him from securing a regular spot in the senior side, and he was delisted at the finish of the season.
Despite his limited time in the AFL, Ryswyk went on to forge a highly successful career in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL), becoming a celebrated figure for North Adelaide. Over 12 seasons, from to , he played 226 games for the club, demonstrating remarkable longevity and dedication. His SANFL career culminated in a premiership win in the 2018 reserves grand final, a hard-fought victory achieved despite battling a late-season rib injury.
Ryswyk’s contributions to Australian Rules football have been recognized with an induction into the AFL Queensland Football Hall of Fame. However, it is his recent decision to come out publicly that is generating the most significant attention.
Speaking on the GayFL show on radio station JOY 94.9, Ryswyk revealed that he has been open about his sexuality with close friends for the past five years. He acknowledged that the public announcement might come as a surprise to some, explaining his preference for privacy. “There will be people though, if they do listen to this, it will be the first time they know about this; I’m a very private person, so it’s not all over my social media, and things like that, and that’s fine,” he said.
He also spoke candidly about the emotional experience of coming out to his parents, describing his mother’s tearful but supportive reaction – “I still love you” – as a pivotal moment. His father’s response, he added, was equally affirming and unexpected. “I really didn’t know what to expect, but he was like, ‘I love you, it doesn’t matter, as long as you’re happy I’m happy for you’, that blew me away to be honest.”
Ryswyk expressed optimism about the AFL community’s response to a future player coming out while still actively playing. “I think the AFL, and the community, will wrap their arms around that player,” he stated. “I think the community itself, obviously the queer community, the fan base, I think in the whole they will celebrate that when the time comes.”
His decision to come forward now was simple: “Why not?” Ryswyk’s openness is expected to pave the way for greater acceptance and inclusivity within the AFL, encouraging other players who may be grappling with their own identities to feel safe and supported. The AFL has not yet released an official statement, but Ryswyk’s announcement is already being hailed as a watershed moment for the sport.
The coming weeks will likely see increased discussion about LGBTQ+ representation in Australian sports and the measures that can be taken to create a more welcoming environment for all athletes. Ryswyk’s courage in sharing his story is a powerful step towards achieving that goal.
Looking ahead, Round 3 of the AFL Premiership Season is set to begin on , with Geelong facing Adelaide. Collingwood will then play Greater Western Sydney on , followed by St Kilda versus Brisbane and Fremantle against Richmond on . Essendon will meet North Melbourne and Port Adelaide will play West Coast on , concluding the round with a match between Carlton and Melbourne.