Carlton AFLW player Maddy Hendrie had never really thought about having an impact or influence on the men’s competition.
So when Mitch Brown – the first openly bisexual male player in the AFL – came to speak with the club, Hendrie was left feeling surprised, but equally grateful.
Mitch Brown with St Kilda’s Hannah Priest and Carlton’s Abbie McKay during Pride Round. Credit: AFL Photos
During his speech, Brown credited the AFLW clubs and queer community for “paving the way” and helping him feel comfortable to publicly share his story.
“The W competition means so much to me because you have genuinely paved the way and provided a safe space for me to do what I did six weeks ago,” Brown told Carlton AFLW players.
“I wouldn’t have come out if it wasn’t for the W competition.”
Hendrie – who recently signed a two-year extension with the Blues – told this masthead it was surreal to listen to Brown’s candid and vulnerable speech.
“It made me really grateful that I can run out there and play the game that I love as the person I am,” she said. “I don’t have to compromise my identity to play a sport or give up a sport at the sacrifice of wanting to be who I am.
AFLW Carlton player Yasmin Duursma during Pride Round.Credit: Getty Images
“That’s something that’s been a given in women’s sport, especially, AFLW, so I think that was really unique of him to address, and it shifted my mindset of how lucky we are and the impact that we do have.
“He spoke so well, [he was] so vulnerable and [yet] comfortable in his identity now that he can probably use his platform for greater good, which is good to see.”
Fellow Blues player Yasmin Duursma felt honoured Brown considered AFLW players as his role models.
“I really loved when he credited the AFLW and the movement that we’re creating for the community that enabled him to come out,” she said.
“I think it’s so nice to see that there’s change happening,” she continued.
“The stigma and all that is slowly being taken away, because, it would have been so hard for him and then knowing that now he has the courage... it’s a credit to what W is doing, and the community we’re creating so that he can speak up.”
Eyes on the ball: Maddy Hendrie competes with St Kilda’s Jesse Wardlaw.Credit: Getty Images
The Blues are preparing for their annual Carlton Respects game this week, which promotes gender equality, and advocates for the end of violence against women and children.
Carlton AFLW players will take to the field in orange socks in the match against GWS this Sunday at Ikon Park, led by captain Abbie McKay, who has signed a contact extension with the Blues until at least the end of 2027.
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