The AFL is the latest Australian sporting organisation to support marriage equality, making an eye-catching statement on the outside of its Docklands headquarters.
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On Wednesday morning the logo at AFL House was replaced with a prominent 'YES' sign, sending an unmistakeable message that the league is continuing its tradition of taking a leadership role on social issues.
The AFL also considered but decided against replacing the AFL logos on the MCG and Adelaide Oval with the word 'YES' for this weekend's preliminary finals.
However, 'YES' will be painted on Sherrin footballs that will be sent to all 18 clubs and state leagues around the country this afternoon.
The league is also gathering all staff for a photo shoot for a show of unity for the 'yes' campaign.
AFL chief Gillon McLachlan had reiterated his support for marriage equality on Tuesday night.
"We are a leader whether people like that or not. This is an issue that means a lot to many of our players, many of my employees and a lot of people in our community," he told AFL 360.
"I think our position is that we need to have a strong statement, even if that is only for our staff, but I think it is broader than that.
"Beyond that, it is not to lecture. People should get out and vote and have their view but this is something that actually talks to a core value of ours, which is actual equality, that people, based on race, gender, sexuality, shouldn't be discriminated against."
Asked about his own view, McLachlan replied: "I am on record – I am strongly yes. I completely respect people's personal views, whether they be religious or others, but I think it's discriminatory to say you and my union is different to someone else's."
AFL Players Association chief Paul Marsh said earlier this year that players supported same-sex marriage and had signed a petition.
"The players stand for an inclusive community that doesn't discriminate on any level, whether it be because of sexuality, race, gender or religion," Marsh said.
"We're proud that so many players have put their name to this petition in the hope that their voices help build momentum for marriage equality.
"Marriage is about love and commitment, and it should be available to every Australian. It's a basic human right — everyone has a right to be treated equally. Quite frankly, I'm embarrassed to live in a country where people are discriminated against for who they love."
Cricket Australia, the NRL and the Australian Rugby Union are among the sporting organisations that have pledged their support to the 'Yes' campaign as Australians fill out their postal surveys.
The AFL has long been a supporter of marriage equality and the best player in the inaugural AFL Women's season, Adelaide Crows star Erin Phillips, who married her partner Tracey Gahan in the US, has described same-sex marriage as a "basic human right".
In 2014, McLachlan revealed the league's stance in response to a letter from Geelong woman Sharyn Faulkner, who has a gay son.
"If the AFL publicly declares that they are in support of marriage equality you will give that young player who is struggling with their sexuality the courage to realise just who they are," Ms Faulkner wrote at the time.
In response, McLachlan wrote that football was no place for homophobia, and gave his personal commitment to "continue to speak out in this area whenever I can".
