Richmond's Bachar Houli and Essendon's Adam Saad have embraced in the middle of the MCG in a show of solidarity following divisive remarks made by Senator Fraser Anning.
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The gesture by the two practising-Muslim players before Friday night's game comes after Senator Anning's controversial Final Solution speech in federal parliament this week.
Houli accompanied stand-in Tigers skipper Jack Riewoldt, with Saad alongside Dyson Heppell, when the captains met to toss the coin.
"Both Richmond and Essendon celebrate and embrace diversity in our great game," a statement from the clubs read.
"Through our players, staff, partners, members and supporters and, by extension, we celebrate the diversity of our country.
"... Both clubs will take the opportunity presented by the AFL's Friday night centre stage to stand alongside these young men and their community and remind everyone that our great game and our country values people of all cultures and communities."
Australian Associated Press
