VAFA Statement: Mitch Brown

The VAFA proudly support former AFL and VAFA player Mitch Brown following his courageous decision to publicly share his story.

Following his AFL career of 94 games with the West Coast Eagles, Mitch joined the VAFA and spent the 2017 to 2019 seasons with St Kevin’s Old Boys where he played 48 games.

Mitch was a SKOB premiership player in 2017, winning the Jock Nelson Medal for best on ground in the clubs inaugural William Buck Premier Men’s flag, and coming runner up in the club best & fairest.

In 2018, Mitch was voted the league MVP by the VAFA Premier Men’s coaches, and was a joint winner (with Billy Kanakis) of the St Kevin’s Best & Fairest. In 2019, Mitch played in SKOB’s Premier Men’s Grand Final side.

Mitch’s decision to speak openly about his identity as a bisexual man and his homophobic experiences he encountered in the AFL world shows genuine courage.

As a community football association that prides itself on the values of inclusiveness and respect, the VAFA proudly supports Mitch Brown in taking this powerful action, which will resonate and be appreciated by many people in our community to feel they too can feel safe to express their truth and authenticity.