Leigh Ryswyk, a former Brisbane Lions player, expresses being blown away by the widespread support following his public announcement as the first AFL player to come out as gay.
Public Coming Out and Immediate Reaction
The 41-year-old revealed his sexuality during an interview on Melbourne’s Joy 94.9 FM yesterday. Friends had known for several years, but the public response has proven astonishing.
In a recent interview, Ryswyk shared, “It has been amazing to be honest, overwhelming support, love, messages from people from everywhere. I can’t lie, it’s blown me away.”
Career Highlights
Ryswyk appeared in one AFL match for the Brisbane Lions in 2005. He then built a distinguished career in the SANFL, playing over 200 games for North Adelaide, where he earned life membership.
Reflecting on whether he could have come out during his AFL days, Ryswyk noted he wasn’t ready then. “Different things happen within your life and you just move forward,” he said. “When I was ready, I was ready and that’s now.”
Hopes for Greater Inclusion in Sports
Ryswyk hopes his story encourages other athletes to embrace their true selves. He envisions a future where disclosing one’s sexuality becomes unnecessary.
While AFL clubs and the community offer strong backing, he points to fan and media reactions as potential barriers. “The club itself will just wrap their arms around the player, the AFL community as a whole will do that — the outside world, fans and media at times … then maybe that fear from them,” Ryswyk explained.
He highlighted trolling over on-field mistakes as an example. “People are very passionate about their footy teams and want to see them succeed, but the environment needs to change and education continue to happen and that’s why we need to start at a younger level.”
Club Statements of Support
Brisbane Lions CEO Sam Graham issued a statement praising Ryswyk’s courage. “It is great to see Leigh share his story and journey publicly,” 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 Football Club also voiced full support. “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 statement read.
The club detailed his contributions: 226 games played, life member status, SANFL life member, and key role in the 2018 Reserves Premiership despite late-season injuries. “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.”
