Brock McLean is being joined in the homophobia fight by those below Credit:Getty Images Players will take to Twitter and Facebook to call on others to take the pledge: ''Join us in giving homophobia the boot. Think before you speak, it's time to stop shirking the issue.'' The idea for the AFL Players Association campaign came from its January induction camp, when gay Yarra Glen ruckman Jason Ball told draftees that derogatory language left him feeling isolated and scared to reveal his sexuality to his teammates. Brock McLean, who marched next to the 25-year-old in the Pride March in February, said people who use homophobic language should think of the impact it can have. ''You might think it's just harmless and a bit of fun between mates but those words can really hurt. Suicide rates in the gay community are six times higher than the general community so language like that is really not helping,'' he said.

Jobe Watson. Credit:Wayne Taylor McLean was the first elite player to publicly support Ball. In a Fairfax Media article in January, he told of his sister Ellie's struggle to come out, and called on the AFL to do more to tackle homophobia. He said it was heartening to see other players take a stand. ''You look at guys like Jobe Watson and Luke Ball and Andrew Swallow, these are Luke Ball. Credit:Paul Rovere champions of the game. It's great to see them voice their opinion against homophobia and become great role models for kids and the wider community.''

Jason Ball, who will be part of the new campaign, was buoyed by the support. ''When people use words like 'gay' or 'fag' to mean soft or weak it's the language that makes gay kids feel ashamed to be themselves and they feel like they can't tell anyone. This campaign will just encourage people to stop and think about the power that words can have.'' Andrew Swallow. Credit:Sebastian Costanzo Players Association chief Matt Finnis said the campaign - to be launched on May 17, as part of the International Day Against Homophobia - is aimed at making the game more inclusive. ''We want to make sure that any person who is involved in football whether they're a player, an official or a supporter, feels very comfortable to be themselves in their workplace or at the game.'' Daniel Jackson. Credit:Sebastian Costanzo

He hoped the players' stance would help reduce homophobic abuse at the football, in the same way racism has been largely kicked out of the game. ''Twenty years ago last month Nicky Winmar lifted his jumper and took a stand and you'd like to think that not withstanding the isolated issues we experience from time to time, the volume of outwardly racist language has diminished as a result of that leadership that was shown.'' AFL corporate affairs manager James Tonkin said football was a game for everyone and they were supportive of the Players Association campaign. ''We will again this year be supporting an outdoor broadcast by [gay and lesbian radio station] Joy 94.9 at the MCG during the season. A specific 'pride' or 'diversity' match remains under consideration in the future and the AFL continues to consult and work with relevant groups on its overall policy approach and other initiatives related to inclusion and tolerance.'' ■jstark@fairfaxmedia.com.au