St Kilda and Sydney will play the AFL's first pride match in round 21 next season as the football community takes an historic stance for equality.

The Saints lobbied league bosses for the fixture and have been given the go-ahead for a prime-time Saturday night home game on August 13 at Etihad Stadium to celebrate diversity and take a stance against homophobia.

St Kilda lobbied for a pride game and have been given the go-ahead for a themed fixture against Sydney in round 21. Pictured are St Kilda footballer Sam Gilbert, CEO Matt Finnis and coach Alan Richardson. Credit:Pat Scala

Chief executive Matt Finnis said the match was inspired by country footballer Jason Ball, who was the first gay player at any level of the game to come out, and the Pride Cup he and his Yarra Glen teammates have held for the past two years.

In the games, 50 metre lines were painted rainbow colours and players and coaches were educated on the impact of homophobia and how they could make clubs more inclusive for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) supporters, players and officials.