On 25 March 2026, former Brisbane Lion Leigh Ryswyk made a public statement about his sexuality during an interview on Melbourne community station JOY 94.9 on the program GayFL. The revelation was framed as both personal and purposeful: Ryswyk explained that while many close to him have known for years, this public step was intended to help reshape the culture around men’s sport. In that conversation he described being private by nature, noted the importance of family support, and emphasised that the moment was less about spectacle and more about opening doors for others who may still be struggling with their identity.
The announcement has been widely reported across national outlets and shared through social media, prompting reflection about representation in the sport. Ryswyk’s words about belonging and authenticity resonated particularly because of his long association with Australian rules football at state league level. His decision to tell his story publicly adds to a growing list of male athletes in Australia who have stepped forward in recent years, and it has renewed discussions about how clubs, media and fans can foster safer, more inclusive environments for current and future players.
What was said and why it matters
During the GayFL interview, Ryswyk explained that he had been out to friends for approximately five years while keeping a lower profile online. He spoke frankly about the private journey that led him to make this information public, underlining that the response of those closest to him mattered most. He also addressed his motivation: wanting better role models for his children and calling for change in men’s sport culture. The interview was described by the hosts as a privilege to host, and by Ryswyk as an opportunity to encourage conversations and reduce isolation among young people who love the game but feel they must hide parts of themselves.
Playing career and sporting legacy
Leigh Ryswyk made one AFL appearance for the Brisbane Lions in the 2005 season, a match that ended in a 39-point victory over Fremantle at Subiaco Oval. Injuries and team selection meant he was delisted at the season’s end, but rather than stepping away from football he moved to South Australia where he built a substantial career in the SANFL. Over more than a decade with North Adelaide, he played in excess of 200 games and became a well-known figure in that competition. His contributions to the sport were later recognised with induction into the AFLQ Hall of Fame in 2026, a testament to his impact beyond the single AFL fixture on his record.
From a single AFL match to a lengthy SANFL career
Ryswyk’s trajectory is a reminder that a player’s influence is not measured solely by top-tier appearances. While his AFL record lists one match, his sustained presence in the SANFL, leadership on field and connection to local communities created a different kind of legacy. He has talked about how footy gave him structure and community, and why it matters to make that space welcoming for everyone. Unlocking his private Instagram and sharing glimpses of his family life — including a partner tagged in earlier posts — was part of bringing that identity into the public sphere in a controlled way.
Reactions, representation and the wider conversation
Responses to Ryswyk’s announcement were swift. Former West Coast player Mitch Brown, who publicly identified as bisexual the previous year, praised Ryswyk on social platforms and highlighted the importance of visibility. Brown framed such moments as examples of courage that change perceptions about who belongs in the game. The GayFL hosts Chris and Brendan spoke of the responsibility and honour of providing a trusted space for the conversation. Advocates and commentators noted that while one story does not rewrite a culture, it does create ripples that can make it easier for others to be authentic.
What this signals for sport and community
The announcement sits alongside a series of public revelations by male athletes across Australian team sports, pointing to gradual shifts in acceptance and discussion. Observers say the onus is now on institutions — clubs, leagues, media and fans — to translate visibility into support by developing policies, education and day-to-day practices that make inclusion routine rather than exceptional. Ryswyk himself framed his decision as part of this broader work, hoping that sharing his experience helps break down barriers and gives younger players and fans a clearer sense that they can be themselves without stepping away from the game they love.
For readers who want the full conversation, the complete GayFL interview with Leigh Ryswyk is available via the JOY 94.9 website. The story’s significance lies partly in its simplicity: an athlete choosing to speak honestly about who he is, and in doing so widening the map of what belonging in Australian rules football can look like.