'Can't describe how much this means'

AFLW superstar Erin Phillips has reacted with joy after Australia voted 'yes' in the same-sex marriage postal survey.

Head of the Australian Bureau of Statistics, David Kalisch, announced that 61. 6 per cent of those who participated in the postal vote wanted to see the law change.

A host of sporting organisations, clubs and individual athletes took to social media to rejoice at the landmark vote.

Leading those athletes was Phillips, who has represented Australia in basketball as well as her exploits in the AFLW.

Phillips posted a photo of her and wife Tracy Gahan on Instagram on Wednesday, with the caption "Can't describe how much this means, thankyou Australia."

Earlier this year Phillips spoke out against Australia's stance on same-sex marriage, saying it's a denial of 'basic human rights' to not be able to marry.

The Adelaide Crows superstar became a role model for the LGBT community after she won the AFLW's inaugural 'best and fairest' award in March, sealing the triumph with a kiss for wife Tracy.

She then paid an emotional tribute to her wife during her acceptance speech.

"Every bit of this is owed to you," 31-year-old Phillips said.

"I love you and thank you so much."

Phillips, wife Tracy and their twin babies Brooklyn and Blake became one of the great stories of the first AFLW season.

Phillips said she never intended to be a role model for same-sex unions, but is happy to speak out if it helps to change perceptions.

"She's my wife, it was very, very natural ... I didn't even think about it," Phillips said.

Erin – who married Tracy in America - opened up on the frustration they feel in not being legally allowed to marry in Australia.

"Gay marriage is not legal in this country ... (so) Tracy and I have probably opened up more conversations," she said.

"I think it needs to be legal, and not from a selfish point of view, but from a basic human rights points of view. It is (legal) in America.

"I find it really funny when I came back home to Australia and it is a big deal, because in America, it isn't a big deal.

"We are a country that should be so far in advance of this, and the fact that we are still here in 2017 still debating it ... is disappointing, especially because the right to get married in my country wasn't available."