Mitch Brown's former coach Adam Simpson reflects on AFL locker-room culture after landmark announcement

Mitch Brown's bravery has given his former West Coast coach, Adam Simpson, pause for reflection.

The day after Brown became the first AFL player to publicly reveal he is bisexual, Simpson said it made him question the environment within the club at the time.

Brown spoke of the "hyper-masculinity" at the Eagles when he played there until 2016, with Simpson coaching there from 2014.

"You start to reflect — and we all should do this — what was my leadership platform back then, and how were we as a club with a player who was obviously going through certain things that were uncomfortable?" Simpson told SEN.

Mitch Brown sheds light on 'hyper-masculine' AFL locker room culture Photo shows Mitchell Brown shouts at the crowd after a goal during a West Coast Eagles AFL game. Former West Coast defender Mitch Brown has revealed harrowing details of what AFL locker rooms were like as he made history by becoming the league's first openly bisexual player.

"From a leadership point of view, was I doing the right things to create the environment where you could be yourself.

"That probably just shows you that you think you're going OK, but there's always improvement.

"That's why we've all evolved — it's generational as much as it's education."

Simpson said the West Coast tried to improve its environment in the middle of the past decade, bringing in the "accept and care" model where players could feel more comfortable being themselves.

He suspects that in another decade, the reflection will be that "we were old-school in 2025".

Simpson shared a locker room with Dani Laidley during his playing career with North Melbourne before coaching the Eagles. (Getty Images: Darrian Traynor)

Simpson is a former North Melbourne teammate of Dani Laidley, who was outed as transgender five years ago and since has spoken at length about her experiences.

"How brave — it's fantastic … the ability to express yourself, a lot like Dani Laidley, as well, over the years," Simpson said of Brown.

"It's just another step forward and well done for coming out."

Former Carlton and Brisbane forward Brendan Fevola also shed light on the AFL's locker-room culture during his time as a player between 1999 and 2010.

"Odds are there are [other gay players in the AFL], and God knows what they'd be thinking in the footy rooms getting changed because it's very masculine in a footy room," he told The Fox's Fifi, Fev & Nick.

Former Carlton star Brendan Fevola admitted AFL locker rooms were "very masculine" environments during his playing career. (Getty Images)

"I probably would have played with some players that were gay — and I don't know because no one else has ever come out — but I'd have no problem with it.

"I think that he [Brown] has started something that will encourage other people. He should be able to express himself. Hopefully, this encourages other players to say, 'Well, if Mitch can do it, [so can I]'.

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"Imagine playing with that one on your head and shoulders."

An academic who has studied homophobia in the AFL and other sports for over a decade believed Brown's declaration was a landmark.

Erik Denison, a behavioural scientist with Monash Faculty of Arts, said Brown was openly discussing a homophobic environment as a factor in his retirement from the AFL.

"We haven't heard that kind of direct criticism before from other players who have come out, including in rugby union and also football in Australia," Denison said.

"So this is an important turning point."

AAP/ABC

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