Grapey Book Club: After the Siren by Darcy Green

Penguin Random House provided Grapeshot a copy of After the Siren, in exchange for an honest review of Darcy Green’s debut novel. Editor-in-Chief Beth Nicholls gives their thoughts on this queer romantic comedy.

(Note: the book contains descriptions of anxiety and depression, including panic attacks and references to a previous self-harm attempt. There are also infrequent mentions of homophobic comments/language.)

Now, I’m a rugby league lover until the end, and to be honest I’m not well acquainted with the Australian Football League (AFL). I can name the teams and a few rules but otherwise I am very un-knowledgeable. But I couldn’t turn away from an Aussie sports queer romcom. So here I am…

This dual POV explores the journey of Jake Cunningham, the star boy of the Brunswick Falcons and fan-favourite, and Theo Bestavros who has worked hard to get where he is. Theo is determined to start over with the Falcons after a disastrous ending with the Sydney Sharks, but Jake and Theo get off on the wrong foot, starting their relationship as almost-enemies. They then stumble into a newfound friendship that quickly develops into something more. But nothing is as simple as it seems; Jake doesn’t want to be the first player to come out, and Theo is reluctant to ruin the second chance he was granted with the Falcons. Although, maybe love does change the rules…

Green perfectly approaches the issues of homophobia and sexism that are prevalent not only within AFL culture, but also broader Australian society. These issues plague sporting communities, and are starting to turn young queer people away from the sport that they so dearly love, so to have a book boldly talk about these issues holds such high importance. The loveable, diverse cast of characters intertwined throughout the book was also amazing, from Theo’s best friend to the AFLW players. 

Reading this book during the same week the first male AFL player came out as bisexual was extremely bittersweet. After the Siren explores Jake grappling with his unwillingness to be the first player to publicly be out, whilst also being tired of feeling trapped and dealing with the toxic, hyper-masculine culture that permeates the space. To see an event occur in real time with a retired player wishing for a safe space for players and fans made the book feel a lot closer to home, knowing that positive change truly is possible.

Green’s exploration of Theo struggling with generalised anxiety disorder and depression was also done heartachingly well. Not only did I personally resonate with so much of what Theo experienced (obviously minus the professional footballer part), but it also is something that isn’t spoken about enough in professional sports. The vivid but accurate descriptions of the physical feelings of anxiety and panic attacks hit so close to home, and they were done so well. I found comfort within the characters' reactions, and maybe the ball loosened in my chest too. 

Unfortunately, I don’t think we are going to see a queer romance play out between two AFL players anytime soon. Despite being fictional, this book is grounded in reality, and speaks to genuine issues that society continues to face when it comes to acceptance of queer people, not only in sporting codes, but more generally as well. This book and recent events are markers of the progress of change that we are starting to see happen, and hopefully we move nowhere but up. 

As a queer person who is heavily invested in sporting communities, this book holds a special place in my heart. With its delicate approach to anxiety, panic attacks, and queerness, I felt seen, and just a little bit less alone. 

After the Siren explores the intersections of queerness and Australian sport, whilst tackling mental health struggles and personal identity. Coming out (pun not intended) on 23 September 2025, I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys queer love stories. And yes, I promise even if you do not know a single thing about AFL, you will still devour this one. (Also, this is a sign that we need more queer sports romance books.)

Rating: 4/5 grapes