Sydney defender Aliir Aliir is open to sharing his story with his teammates, coaches and the wider football community to help educate people on the importance of stamping out racism.

Aliir led the Sydney Swans team out in Sunday’s match against Essendon and also tossed the coin on behalf of the captains.

He then joined his teammates and all players from across the league in taking a knee before the first bounce.

Aliir said continuing to have a conversation was vital to highlight the continual fight against racism both in Australia and around the world.

“It means a lot,” Aliir told SEN Radio.

“We as athletes being in the position that we are, we need to be able to get those conversations going. At the end of the day, it’s not white versus black, it’s about the situations that black people get put through and that's what we’re talking about.

“For all the clubs to show their support and take a knee, I like it a lot. It’s about getting a conversation going and educate those who don’t really know what racism is. It’s still happening.

“Us (taking a knee) is not going to change it straight away but if we can get a conversation going, I think it’s going to get help long-term to get rid of racism.

Aliir said he was open to speaking with anyone about his story to help them understand the importance of the issue.

“I don’t like getting racially abused and I really want to stamp it out of the game and society but it’s going to take more than just taking knee. We’ve got to get a conversation going and start educating people,” he said.

"I want to be able to share my stories and experiences with them (my teammates) because most of them don't know what it's like being black.”

"I'm very open talking to my teammates and coaches about the things I've gone through.”