AFL’s first openly bisexual player Mitch Brown and partner Louisa Keck announce baby joy

The AFL’s first openly bisexual player Mitch Brown and his partner Louisa Keck have announced they are expecting a child.

They couple made a joint post on Instagram on Monday night sharing the news.

“Something exciting coming October 2026,” the post says.

Brown already co-parents two kids — Bowie and Rudy — with ex-wife Shae Bolton-Brown, who is a former Australian netball player.

Bolton-Brown publicly supported Brown when he became the first current or former player in AFL history to come out as bisexual last year.

“My bisexual ex-husband and co-parent made AFL history and I couldn’t be prouder,” she wrote in September.

The pair are still close friends, having attended Mardi Gras together just last month.

Bolton-Brown even commented on Brown’s recent birthday post for his new partner, Keck.

“Happy birthday my love. It’s your day,” Brown wrote of Keck on Sunday.

“I can’t begin to describe what you mean to me and the things you’ve helped me to see about the world and about myself.

“The last six months have been a wild ride for both of us, people don’t get to see the moments that mean the most, the ones behind the scenes when it’s just us.

“I never could have done this without you, you are the real MVP. You’re a special thing in all of our lives, especially Bowie and Rudy’s.

“Looking forward to what is to come. Love always, Mitch.”

The top comment on the post is that of Bolton-Brown, who wrote: “Behind every great man …. ❤️‍🔥”

Last week, former Brisbane Lions player Leigh Ryswyk became the first in AFL history to come out as openly gay.

“Tonight, Leigh Ryswyk became the first openly gay AFL men’s player - past or present,” Brown said after Ryswyk came out.

“My deepest respect and congratulations to Leigh for sharing this part of himself with the world tonight. What an absolute legend!

“It takes real courage to step forward and choose to live openly and honestly, especially when you come from environments that haven’t always made that easy. This is what bravery looks like.

“Every time someone is brave enough to speak their truth, it creates a shift. It challenges our idea of who a footballer is supposed to be. It makes the game more honest, more human, and more reflective of the communities that love it.

“There will be young players and kids hearing Leigh’s story who feel a little less alone because of it. That matters more than anything.

“As a dad, this is particularly special for me. To show your kids that you can be yourself, love who you love, and still belong to the game you care about — that you don’t have to choose.

“Leigh’s kids are so lucky to have a role model like him.”

Brown played 94 games for West Coast between 2007 and 2016 after being selected with pick No.16 in 2006.