Leigh Ryswyk Becomes First AFL Player to Come Out as Gay: A Historical Trend Summary
Former Brisbane Lions rookie and SANFL legend Leigh Ryswyk made history on March 25, 2026, by becoming the first male player from the AFL system to publicly come out as gay. The 41-year-old champion, known affectionately as 'Rizza', shared his journey during an emotional interview on JOY Media’s GayFL program. This landmark announcement marks a significant cultural shift for Australian Rules Football, providing a long-awaited moment of representation at the elite level.
TL;DR
- Leigh Ryswyk is the first-ever male AFL-listed player to come out as gay.
- The announcement was made via JOY 94.9 on the 'GayFL' radio show.
- Ryswyk is a three-time premiership winner and North Adelaide Football Club Hall of Famer.
- His decision follows former Melbourne player Mitch Brown, who came out as bisexual earlier in 2026.
What Happened
Leigh Ryswyk officially came out as gay during a live broadcast on March 25, 2026, on the Melbourne-based community radio station JOY 94.9. Speaking with hosts on the program GayFL, Ryswyk explained that while he had been out to family and friends for nearly a decade, he felt it was finally the right time to share his truth with the broader sporting public. He noted that the environment of elite football during his playing days felt restrictive, but he now feels a weight off his shoulders by being completely open about his identity.
I’ve been out to my family and friends for about eight or nine years now... but I just felt like it was the right time to finally put it out there and hopefully help someone else who might be in the same position I was.
Key Developments
Ryswyk’s career spanned several high-profile levels of Australian football. He was a rookie for the Brisbane Lions in 2005 before moving to the South Australian National Football League (SANFL). There, he became a household name for North Adelaide, playing 242 games and kicking 375 goals. His accolades include winning three premierships and being inducted into the North Adelaide Football Club Hall of Fame. His announcement comes just weeks after Mitch Brown became the first AFL player to come out as bisexual, signaling a rapid period of change within the sport’s professional ranks. You can listen to the full interview on the official JOY Media GayFL podcast page.
Why This Matters
Despite the AFL’s long history, no male player had ever come out as gay while active or retired until this moment. Ryswyk’s revelation breaks a 129-year silence in the men's elite competition. This matters because it addresses the long-standing stigma regarding LGBTQ+ inclusion in male contact sports in Australia. By coming out, Ryswyk provides a visible role model for current players and youth who may feel that their sexuality is a barrier to professional success in the AFL. His brave decision is expected to lead to increased support programs and diversity initiatives within the league.
What Happens Next
The AFL is expected to issue an official statement supporting Ryswyk’s announcement within the next 24 hours. Advocacy groups like Pride in Sport have already begun calling for the league to accelerate its inclusion strategies. Ryswyk is scheduled to appear in several follow-up media engagements to discuss the importance of mental health and visibility in sports. There are also discussions regarding his involvement in the 2026 AFL Pride Round celebrations as a keynote speaker.
Key Terms & Concepts
- SANFL
- The South Australian National Football League, the premier state-level Australian Rules Football competition in South Australia.
- AFL Rookie List
- A secondary roster for AFL clubs used to develop younger players or those from non-traditional football backgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the first AFL player to come out as gay?
Leigh Ryswyk is the first male player to have been on an AFL list to come out as gay. He made the announcement on March 25, 2026, via JOY Media.
Which team did Leigh Ryswyk play for in the AFL?
Leigh Ryswyk was a rookie-listed player for the Brisbane Lions in 2005. He later became a legend at North Adelaide in the SANFL.
Is Leigh Ryswyk still playing football?
No, Leigh Ryswyk is currently retired from professional football. He is 41 years old and is a member of the North Adelaide Hall of Fame.
How did the AFL community react to the news?
The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with media outlets like Fox Sports and News.com.au highlighting the historic nature of his 2026 announcement.
Who is Mitch Brown in relation to this news?
Mitch Brown is a former Melbourne player who, earlier in 2026, became the first AFL player to come out as bisexual, preceding Ryswyk’s announcement as the first gay player.
Resources
Sources and references cited in this article.
