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Podcasting duo Wayne Carey and Sam Newman have predicted Mitch Brown will be the main attraction on the red carpet at the Brownlow Medal after he became the first AFL player, past or present, to come out as bisexual.
Brown made the landmark announcement on Wednesday with the simple words, 'I played in the AFL for 10 years for the West Coast Eagles and I'm a bisexual man.'
The 36-year-old said that the 'hypermasculinity' in AFL teams made it impossible for him to be his true self.
He said he wanted to live openly and hoped his honesty might encourage others in sport to feel comfortable with their identity.
Brown's announcement was praised by most clubs as a brave step in an environment where discussions about sexuality remain rare.
During the most recent episode of their You Cannot Be Serious podcast, Newman raised the topic of Brown's announcement.
Wayne Carey and Sam Newman have spoken about Mitch Brown's historic announcement
Carey said coming out in today's world sets a great example, but is 'common knowledge' now
Mitch Brown (pictured) bravely announced he is bisexual, becoming the first player in AFL/VFL history to do so
'He's a hero for doing it, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera,' replied Carey.
'It would have been more heroic back when you or your mate Wadey were selling hair products. I reckon if you'd have come out in the '60s or '70s it would have been brave then, Sam.
'In today's world, coming out is... you know what coming out is? Yes, it sets a great example, but coming out is common knowledge now. Who cares whether you are gay? Who cares whether you are straight?'
Newman agreed with Carey.
'This is my point, Duck,' he said.
'Why does that person Mitch have to suddenly announce that he's bisexual? Frightened the s**t out of his partner, whose name is Lou. I presume Lou's a man... a woman.'
Carey interjected: 'No, he's married with kids.'
Newman replied: 'And he went out with a woman called Shae and they've got two sons.'
Sam Newman predicted the AFL will be eager to highlight Brown (pictured with his partner Lou) on the red carpet at the Brownlow Medal ceremony
The controversial former Footy Show host said he expects Brown to attend footy's night of nights with former North Melbourne coach Dani Laidley (pictured)
Brown's ex-wife Shae – with whom he shares two boys – reacted to the news with a heartfelt post on Instagram that read, 'Our boys will be proud. I am,' accompanied by a heart-hands emoji.
The former Eagle's current partner, Lou, also voiced her approval as she revealed her pride in him for taking the historic step.
'It would have been a hell of a shock to them, I reckon. Why does he have to come out and say it publicly?'
Carey went on to explain that the podcasting duo were 'blown away' by the amount of attention that Brown's announcement had received.
'And by the way, the CEO Andrew Dillon, of the AFL, came out and said how brave he was, and you watch this year's Brownlow. Mitch Brown will be on the red carpet,' said Carey.
Newman added: 'Along with the former footballer who used to coach or play for North Melbourne, the former Dean Laidley, who is now Danielle. They will be a pair on the red carpet.
'The two of them might do a duo, they might host the thing. This is immediately after the Welcome To Country, they'll welcome them both on stage to host the whole f**king show.'
