History made as Leigh Ryswyk becomes first current or former AFL player to come out as gay

Former Brisbane Lions player Leigh Ryswyk has made history, becoming the first current or former openly gay AFL player.

Ryswyk is the second former AFL player to come out as a proud member of the LGBTIQA+ community after former West Coast defender Mitch Brown revealed that he was bisexual in August last year.

Ryswyk played one game for the Lions in 2005 before being delisted, but went on to have a decorated SANFL career with North Adelaide, where he played 226 games between 2006 and 2018.

In his only AFL game, Ryswyk suffered a quad strain against Fremantle and never played again.

Speaking to Joy 94.9’s GayFL on Wednesday, the 41-year-old said this news will come as no surprise to those close to him.

“To people who know me, my closest friends, this is not new,” he said.

“I’ve been out for five years now.

“There will be people though ... 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.

“It can be a bit of a shock to some people, they might not know, but that’s life, right?

“In the end, the people who are nearest and closest to me know, and that’s what’s most important.”

Asked on-air “why now?”, Ryswyk simply responded: “Why not?”

Following the revelation, Ryswyk was commended for his bravery and said he had been “overwhlemed” by the messages of support.

“It is great to see Leigh share his story and journey publicly,” Brisbane chief executive Sam Graham said.

“We want our game to be an inclusive environment for everyone, including players, staff, members and fans.

“As a club, we hope this has a positive impact across football and society more broadly.”

North Adelaide also applauded their former champ.

“The North Adelaide Football Club supports former player Leigh Ryswyk, who has come out publicly as the first openly gay past or present AFL/SANFL player,” the club said.

“Leigh played 226 games for the club, is a North Adelaide Football Club life member and SANFL life member, and was a key contributor to our 2018 reserves premiership, overcoming broken ribs suffered late in the home and away season.

“As a football club, we pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive environment where players, staff, members and supporters from all communities feel safe, respected, and free to be themselves.”