For the first time on Saturday night, the Sydney Swans will host the AFL's Pride game, in support of the LGBTQI community.
It's the initiative of the visiting club, St Kilda, and aims to open doors for many who may have previously felt left out of the sport.
St Kilda CEO Matt Finnis said the initiative was an important step in inclusion.
"Unfortunately not everyone has felt welcome at the football and the pride game is so important to break through that and tomorrow night we lay out the welcome mat."
Tapping into various synergies with the Swans ... after a successful inaugural "pride" match between the clubs last season ... the Saints are doing it all again this year at the SCG.
Since a gay pride game in the Victorian regional town of Yarra Glen in 2014, the concept of representing the LGBTQI community in the sport has grown.
"It's a conversation we need to have and ah we're just thrilled that everyone's got behind it," Mr Finnis said.
Emily Rowe, a 35 year-old transgender footballer says that until now, she has experienced a lack of acceptance in both the men's and women's Leagues.
"There's a lot of people now from across the whole section of society who want to have these conversations and try to make society more inclusive for all of us."
Emily plays with the Shepparton Bears and believes inclusion starts with the broader community.
"We'll see games roll out over Shepparton and Daylesford next year just showing how inclusive these communities are and how they look after themselves."
LGBTQI activist and Young Victorian of the Year Jason Ball says life can be tough for those who express their gender in binary terms.
"When you have people who blur the boundaries between male and female whether they're transgender or intersex or anywhere in between it challenges people."
But for Emily, the challenge she is focused on, is on the field.
"Football is football. I don't think it really matters, people just want to go out there, be part of a team and do the best they can and come home with four points and win the right to sing the song."
As the stands of the SCG fill with red, white and black for the fans backing their favourites for the finals, there could be just as many decked out in rainbow.
