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Bisexual AFL Star Slams Alcohol Culture
14 Apr
Summary
- First openly bisexual AFL player criticized alcohol's prevalence in the sport.
- He argued that drinking beer post-game has become a normalized goal.
- A former player defended the tradition, calling it a positive bonding experience.
Mitch Brown, who publicly came out as bisexual, has initiated a discussion regarding the AFL's strong association with alcohol. Brown, a former West Coast Eagles player, noted that alcohol is omnipresent within footy clubs, describing it as 'cultural wallpaper.' He shared personal experiences where beer was central to team celebrations, making drinking an ingrained part of the culture.
Brown pointed to the naming of the 'Carlton Draught Derby' as an example of how alcohol is embedded in the game's identity. He advocated for reduced alcohol advertising, especially during broadcasts, while clarifying he supports moderation. His comments, however, were met with opposition from Thomas Baulch, a former player and influencer known as PrimeTrain.
Baulch defended the tradition of having a beer with teammates after a game, calling it a great bonding experience and a positive outlet. He suggested Brown might be overlooking the community aspect, particularly in regional areas. Despite this defense, some fans supported Brown's critique, linking it to gambling's addictive nature, while many others agreed with Baulch about the benefits of post-game beers.
