West Coast and the rest of the AFL community has thrown its support behind former player Mitch Brown after he became the league’s first-ever openly bisexual man.

And Brown, who played 94 games for the Eagles, has since commented on how he feels about his private life being made public.

The 36-year-old spoke about his sexuality in a landmark interview with The Daily Aus released on Wednesday, revealing it played a “huge” factor in his decision to retire.

The Eagles posted a message of support to social media, saying “we love you, Mitch!”

“We’re proud of you and how you’re living your values to make footy and our society a better place,” the post read.

Brown’s former teammate, Sharrod Wellingham, said he was inspired by his teammates’ bravery while acknowledging the toxic environment that existed in AFL locker rooms.

“My immediate thought went to it’s such great timing after what’s happened recently and to be able to have someone have the courage and fortitude to make this a reality is really cool,” he told ABC Sport.

“I think it makes it so much more real for everybody who is perhaps under the impression that there weren’t gay players or bisexual players.

“I definitely witnessed and probably even said stupid stuff as a player, but times have changed.

“I know that I’ve become more self-aware. I feel uncomfortable that I could have possibly said something that would have made Mitch feel uncomfortable.

“My heart that goes to the fact that I hate there are potentially people who are in the same position that Mitch has explained.”

Other AFL clubs also shared messages of support, including Greater Western Sydney, Gold Coast and the Western Bulldogs.

Fremantle captain Alex Pearce praised Brown’s courage.

“This game should be one that respects and provides a safe environment for everyone. His example should help us continue to grow as a sport.”

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said Brown had shown incredible courage and was a landmark moment for the game as a whole.

“Mitch has shown great courage today in sharing his story and personal journey. This is an important moment for him, and for our entire game,” his statement read.

“Today is a step forward, and building on Mitch’s story we hope that others feel encouraged to be their authentic selves and share their own journeys, and that these stories are met with support from teammates, clubs and the wider football community.

“The AFL will continue to partner with our clubs, our Pride and Allies groups and the LGBTQI+ community to drive and celebrate inclusion across both our AFL and AFLW competitions.

“Together, our commitment is to keep making football an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone to thrive — and that work never stops.”

“Shouldn’t have to take courage to let the world know who you are but it most certainly does in any setting,” she said.

Representatives from the AFL Players’ Association also hailed Brown’s courage.

“I applaud Mitch’s courage and candour in sharing his idnetity,” president Darcy Moore wrote.

“Stories like his have so much to teach us as an industry if we are willing to learn.

“To any young people in the LGBTQIA+ community out there who dream of playing in the AFL or AFLW, you deserve a safer and more respectful industry. As the AFLPA we are committed to working towards that.”

AFLW Sydney captain and AFLPA board member Chloe Molloy echoed Moore’s statement.

“Mitch’s decision to be open about his identity is an important moment for our game and a reminder that football is for everyone. It takes real strength to lead the way for others,” she wrote.

“Representation matters and Mitch’s bravery will help create a more inclusive and supportive environment not only in AFL and AFLW, but across all levels of sport.

“We stand with him and the game is better when we celebrate authenticity.”

Interim AFLPA CEO Ben Smith said more works need to be done to build a more inclusive culture within the AFL.

“Mitch’s openness will help many feel seen, supported and less alone,” he said.

“But Mitch’s experience also reiterates that more work must be done to make our industry truly safe and inclusive for all.

“We are deeply committed to playing our part in building a culture where everyone feels valued and respected.”

Brown, following the release of the interview, revealed in a social media post that he felt by making his sexuality public he was “owning who I am and my identity”.

“Very weird feeling knowing this is out in the world but I feel confident in who I am and have amazing support around me,” the Instagram post read.

“If this helps even one person, it will have been worth it.

“This isn’t about me. The world needs more positive male role models, and I hope I can step up and be one.”

Former Geelong, Essendon and Melbourne player Mitch Brown also released a statement of support and clarified that the praise should be going elsewhere.

“I want to acknowledge that there has been some understandable confusion recently, and some people have reached out to me, and I just want to make sure the praise and encouragement is going to the right person,” he wrote on Instagram.

“That said I have nothing but admiration and respect for him. His openness is an important step in making our game and community a safer, more inclusive place for everyone.”

Outside the league, NBL player Isaac Humphries described the announcement as “big steps forward.”

Humphries became the first NBL player to come out as gay in an emotional speech to Melbourne United teammates in 2022.