In a powerful stance for inclusivity within the Australian Football League (AFL), Erin Phillips, one of the league’s most celebrated players, has spoken out in support of former West Coast Eagle Mitch Brown, who recently came out as the first openly bisexual male player in the AFL’s 129-year history. Phillips has called for the eradication of racism, homophobia, and prejudice from the sport, emphasizing the importance of education at all levels of the game.
This conversation comes on the heels of a controversial incident involving Crows star Izak Rankine, who was banned for four matches for using a homophobic slur against a Collingwood opponent. Phillips, who has won three AFL Women’s (AFLW) championships with the Adelaide Crows, expressed her hope that such incidents would become a thing of the past. “I hope we won’t ever have to deal with this again, whether it is racism or what we’ve had recently with Izak,” Phillips stated.
Phillips passionately believes that to create real change, education must start from the grassroots level and work its way to the top. “There needs to be more education,” she asserted. “It’s important we stamp it out and eradicate it from our game.” Despite the frustration of having to address such prejudices continually, she remains committed to pushing for change.
She expressed pride in Brown’s bravery in coming out and hopes that his actions will inspire others in the sport and beyond to live authentically. “Any person that can come out and be their true, genuine selves is important and will have a huge impact across the community,” she remarked.
Phillips also looks forward to a future where individuals can simply be themselves without the need for labels. “I’d love to see anyone come out and be whoever they are and be proud and open about who they are. But I also think there is a day I look forward to, and that’s the day where we won’t have to have somebody come out and be openly gay or openly straight – they can just be who they are,” she reflected.
In recent days, support for Brown has poured in from clubs across the league, including Melbourne, Richmond, and Essendon, alongside his former team, West Coast, and others like GWS, Port Adelaide, St Kilda, and Fremantle who issued statements backing him.
Beyond football, Erin Phillips is also known for her accomplishments in basketball, having represented Australia and won an Olympic silver medal and two WNBA titles before her pivotal role in the inception of the AFLW. Her legacy is not just one of athletic excellence but also of fostering a progressive and inclusive sporting culture.
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