The AFL has warned players they face penalties for vilifying opponents on the grounds of sexual orientation or disability.

AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson confirmed on Sunday the league had extended its racial and religious vilification rules to stop any would-be harassment of players over sexual orientation, special disability or illness or disease.

Anderson said the league had written to all clubs to inform them of the changes.

"On the field, our players deserve and expect the right to compete as hard as they possibly can in their work environment, free from any form of abuse or harassment," Anderson said.

"The game has acted strongly for more than a decade to work against racism and our rules have stated that no form of abuse or vilification is acceptable.

"However, we have not specifically laid down the areas of disability or sexual preference in our rules, and this has now been addressed."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP