Three years after coming out as the first openly gay Australian Rules footballer at any level of the game, Jason Ball has had his fair share of personal victories.

He's consistently challenged the AFL to stamp out homophobia and foster equality. He's led the annual gay and lesbian Pride March flanked by Carlton's Brock McLean and Richmond's Dan Jackson – the first elite players to participate in the event. And he's shared his story, countless times with countless youths, as an ambassador for beyondblue and the Safe Schools Coalition.

Greens candidate for the federal seat of Higgins, Jason Ball will use advertising on gay dating app Grindr to campaign for votes. Credit:Justin McManus

Indeed, the past few years have been such a whirlwind for the Yarra Glen defender that some of his closest friends were taken aback when he revealed his latest endeavour: to run as a candidate for the Greens in the Liberal-held seat of Higgins at the next federal election.

After all, he admits, "in Australia there's a lot of stigma around politicians, and once you declare your allegiance for a particular party, doors can close for you". Even one of the country's most respected (and openly gay) former High Court judges had reservations.