So your name is Mitch Brown, you’re a former AFL player, you have a twin brother, and you played footy at the elite level when another Mitch Brown was going around.

Your twin is Nathan Brown, who shares the same name with the former Bulldogs and Richmond star and the latter Nathan also has a high-profile role in the media.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Ex-AFL star becomes first openly bisexual player.

Then, many years later, you (that is the first Brown mentioned here) make the brave the admission that you are the AFL’s first-ever openly bisexual man.

So, what can go wrong?

Well, for starters, a prominent media outlet can do a social media post on the news and get their Mitch Brown’s mixed up in the photo ... that’s what.

Then, naturally, a flood of messages of support can suddenly start heading all over the place.

The first Mitch Brown played for West Coast between 2007 and 2016. The second Mitch Brown played Geelong, Essendon and Melbourne between 2011 and 2022.

Following the news from the first Mitch Brown, the second Mitch Brown also released a classy statement, clarifying the matter, while supporting his namesake.

“I want to acknowledge that there has been some understandable confusion recently as a former AFL player Mitch Brown has shared that he is bisexual,” the other Brown said on social media.

“Some people have reached out to me under the impression that I was the one who made that announcement and I just want to make sure the praise and encouragement is going to the right person.

“That said, I have nothing but admiration and respect for him.

“His openness is an important step in making our game and community a safer, more inclusive place for everyone. Sincerely, Mitch Brown.”

Meanwhile, plenty of messages of support did find their intended target.

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said Brown had shown “great courage” and it was an “important moment for ... the entire game”.

“Today is a step forward, and building on Mitch’s story we hope that others feel encouraged to be their authentic selves and share their own journeys, and that these stories are met with support from teammates, clubs and the wider football community,” Dillon said.

“The AFL will continue to partner with our clubs, our Pride and Allies groups and the LGBTQI+ community to drive and celebrate inclusion across both our AFL and AFLW competitions.

“Together, our commitment is to keep making football an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone to thrive — and that work never stops.”

Channel 7 commentator Kate McCarthy also said it was brave.

“It shouldn’t take courage for someone to tell people who you really are … it shouldn’t, but it does,” McCarthy said on Triple M.

“It takes immense courage and immense bravery ... (I have) nothing but (pride) and so much love to Mitch Brown for taking this step.”

James Brayshaw also thought it was very disappointing that Brown had to finish playing football — “the game they love” — because of negative attitudes towards non-heterosexuals.

“We have to get better at this,” Brayshaw said.

McCarthy said “it is really sad” but not uncommon.

“I’ve worked jobs — that isn’t playing professional football — where I haven’t felt comfortable in coming out and telling people my sexuality,” she said.

“The shelf life of that job is short.

“Who you are and what you do away from work is a big part of what you talk about at work and how you interact with your co-workers. It’s a way to connect with people, to break down barriers, and build better personal relationships with people.

“I absolutely cannot question that it would have had a limiting impact on his career because it gets tiring to pretend to live a life that isn’t existent.”

AFLW great lauds Mitch Brown for revealing his sexuality

AFLW great Emma Kearney has applauded Mitch Brown for talking about his sexuality and adds it’s “no coincidence” it happened the week after the AFL’s Izak Rankine controversy.

Kearney is among many prominent people and groups, including Fremantle captain Alex Pearce and West Coast, to have strongly supported the former Eagle.

Brown revealed on Wednesday he is bisexual - the first current or former AFL player to do so.

While the last week has been an emotional rollercoaster for Kearney and many other people in the game, the eight-time AFLW All-Australian said Rankine’s ban for his homophopic slur had shone a fierce light on the issue.

“There are a lot of conversations that happen as a result. Mitch Brown coming out as bisexual, it’s no coincidence, the timing of this,” Kearney told AAP.

“The commentary around it - although it’s been a negative and it’s been hard on the queer community, it can sometimes have a positive impact in terms of how we further educate players, and just the general community as well.

“Because the whole process (around Rankine’s ban) stretched out for about a week, there was so much of this running commentary around it - how we can make the AFL a safer place for athletes to be their true selves.

“The fact there have been no ‘out’ players as well, that helps with the decision of Mitch Brown to then be able to come out and announce he’s bisexual.”

Kearney said her immediate reaction when she heard the news about Brown was to feel “happy”, but it was also a reminder about coming out to her parents.

Even though Kearney never had any doubt that she would be loved and supported, there was still an element of anxiety.

“Everyone’s coming out story is really unique - some are always easier than others, but it’s always challenging,” she said.

“It’s really pleasing that he has a network around him, that he knows he’ll be supported.”

The AFL’s homophobia is in stark contrast to the AFLW, where players such as Kearney are comfortable with their sexuality.

“The AFLW has always set a really good example of what true inclusion is,” she said.

“It doesn’t matter what your sexual orientation is, you’re always welcome in the game.

“Gay men are seen to be non-masculine, but when you play sport as a male, it’s very masculine.

“You don’t quite fit the mould, which in itself is very tricky.”

Pearce called Brown “courageous”, while the Eagles likewise posted “we love you Mitch”.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon called it “an important moment for him, and for our entire game. Today is a step forward.”

AFL Players’ Association president and Collingwood captain Darcy Moore applauded “Mitch’s courage and candour in sharing his identity.“Stories like his have so much to teach us as an industry if we are willing to learn.“To any young people in the LGBTIQA+ community out there who dream of playing in the AFL or AFLW, you deserve a safer and more respectful industry. As the AFLPA, we are committed to working towards that.”

- With AAP