Mitch Brown has criticised Geelong Cats player Bailey Smith for a “homophobic” social media post.
On 29 September, Smith shared photos on his Instagram Story from his team’s Mad Monday party, where he dressed as Brad Pitt’s character from Legends of the Fall.
In one post, captioned “Catman & Legends of the Fall”, the 24-year-old is pictured standing next to teammate Brad Close, who dressed as the famous Geelong fan, Catman.
Smith then shared another photo showing himself being embraced from behind by teammate Patrick Dangerfield, who was dressed as a cowboy.
His caption read: “Or Brokeback Mountain depends how ya look at it. This is what losing a granny does to ya. Alright, phone away now. Bye.”
In response to Smith’s post, Brown shared a photo of the late Brokeback Mountain star Heath Ledger on his own Instagram Story.
“Just for the record, Heath Ledger’s way hotter,” the 35-year-old athlete wrote.
He then added a written statement calling on Smith and Dangerfield to “do better.”
“In all seriousness, though, guys, do better. Last time I checked, losing a grand final doesn’t make you gay, but being homophobic definitely makes you a loser,” he wrote.
Brown’s statement comes a month after he came out as bisexual, making him the first openly queer player in the AFL’s 129-year history.
In an interview with The Daily Aus, Brown — who played 94 matches for West Coast between 2007 and 2016 — said he felt a “feeling of peace, but more importantly, comfort and confidence” after opening up about his sexuality.
He explained that his time in the AFL never offered “an opportunity to speak openly or explore your feelings in a safe way,” describing the culture as one of “hyper-masculinity,” where he heard “countless” homophobic comments on the field.
“When I was growing up at school, the word ‘gay’ was thrown around constantly,” he said. “For a man in Australia, [it was seen as] probably the weakest thing you could be.”
Brown recalled a conversation with teammates about the idea of showering next to a gay player. One reportedly said he’d “rather be in a cage full of lions than have a shower next to a gay man.”
“There’s been so many times in my life that I’ve seen things or heard things and not said anything,” he explained, “in fear of people thinking that I was gay or bisexual.”
A few days after his historic coming out, Brown returned to social media to thank supporters.
“I have been overwhelmed by the kindness, encouragement, and solidarity that have poured in from people across Australia and around the world,” he wrote.
“Every message, every story shared, every word of support has meant more to me than I can say. I will carry that gratitude with me always.”
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