The AFL made vaccination against the coronavirus mandatory on Thursday for all players and football staff in both the AFL and AFLW competitions.

Anyone who wasn't fully vaccinated by mid-February would be banned from playing and training.

The Victorian government has already made vaccination mandatory for professional athletes to train or play in that state, with the health regulation coming into effect last Friday.

Clubs will decide what to do with any football staff who refuse to be vaccinated, while players without a medical exemption can be transferred to the inactive list and paid no less than 25 per cent of their salary, or agree to part ways.

Steele, who's recovering from hand surgery, backed the policy and was confident there wouldn't be many players who didn't get vaccinated.

The Canberra product said the Saints had organised vaccinations for all their players.

"I think it's necessary. I think it's pretty important to progress things," Steele told The Canberra Times.

"It's trying to keep everyone safe and healthy and it's only going to bring fans back to footy.

"I feel like it is quite necessary. I don't know anyone in the AFL system opting not to get the vaccine.

"I feel like it's pretty serious and it's pretty important to get it done if you haven't already.

"Not just for yourself, but everyone else around you - your family and loved ones."

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He hoped there wouldn't be a repeat of the Irving saga being played out in the NBA.

Irving, one of the stars of the NBA, has refused to get vaccinated and missed the Brooklyn Nets' season opener because of his stance.

He'll be unable to play until he gets the jab.

"He's simply not playing and he's one of the best players in the competition," Steele said.

"Hopefully there aren't too many, especially in the AFL system, that don't decide to get it.

"I'd hate to see if one of the best players in the competition, or someone very important to the game, decides not to get it and they aren't able to play for the year or the rest of their career.

"Hopefully everyone can abide by it and get things done together."

Adelaide Crows AFLW player Deni Varnhagen has come out and refused to be vaccinated - despite being a registered nurse who worked in intensive care.

Melbourne premiership star Tom McDonald has also spoken out against mandatory vaccination, even though he's fully vaccinated.

The AFL have introduced a three-stage schedule within which players and staff have to get the jab.

GWS Giants and Sydney Swans players have to have both shots by December 17, while the other non-Victorian clubs have to be done by February 18.