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Several AFL clubs have posted their support for an Australia Day date change and more measures towards reconciliation.

Essendon and North Melbourne have joined the growing chorus of support for an Australia Day date change, with other AFL clubs also expressing their support for reconciliation.

Cricket Australia's decision to avoid the use of Australia Day to promote their matches on January 26 sparked debate last week.

January 26 has long been a difficult symbol for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people given it marks the anniversary of the arrival of the British First Fleet into Sydney Cove and the raising of the Union Jack.

Many proponents of a date change have dubbed January 26 as Invasion Day.

The AFL doesn't have an official stance on the issue, but the league's executive general manager for inclusion and social policy, Tanya Hosch, is in favour of a date change.

Essendon moved early on Tuesday to show their support for a date change.

"We at Essendon Football Club acknowledge that today is a day of sadness and pain for Indigenous peoples," the club wrote on Twitter.

"We value our strong connection with Indigenous Australia and are committed to reconciliation and celebrating the survival of the oldest living culture on earth. We look forward to a time when all Australians can enjoy a day of national celebration together."

North Melbourne made their position clear later in the day.

"The North Melbourne Football Club is committed to reconciliation and acknowledges this date marks a day of sadness for many," the club wrote on Twitter.

"We are proud of and respect our first people and look forward to celebrating our country together and on a day that can be enjoyed by all."

The Demons said they were committed to reconciliation and "will continue to celebrate the survival of the world's oldest living culture".

Richmond acknowledged it was a "day of sadness for many of us".

"We place enormous value on our connection with Indigenous Australia," the Tigers wrote on Twitter.

"We stand united in our commitment to reconciliation and celebrating the survival of the world's oldest living culture."

Sydney said: "We value our strong connection to Indigenous Australia and we are deeply committed to playing an active part in Australia's reconciliation journey."

St Kilda posted: "Always was, always will be."

"Today, we stand beside our Indigenous brothers and sisters, because this isn't about division.

"It's about acknowledging our past and working towards a better future, together."

Collingwood released pictures of players wearing 'Free the Flag' t-shirts, in reference to a company owning the copyright to the Indigenous flag.