In an unprecedented show of support for Adam Goodes and his stand against racism, two leading newspapers, The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, will wrap their Saturday editions with a poster calling for readers to stand beside Goodes and join the campaign #istandwithadam.

Readers are encouraged to exhibit the poster, take it to football games this weekend, and post photos of themselves with it on social media using the hashtag #istandwithadam.

Darren Goodsir, Editor-in-chief of the Herald, said the controversy over the booing of the Sydney Swans star and former Australian of the Year had divided the nation. "The Herald calls on readers to take a stand and make it stop," he said. "Take our game day poster to the SCG on Saturday and show your support."

Editor-in-chief of the Age, Andrew Holden, said "we have taken this unusual step because we believe that racism is inherent in the abuse that Goodes has suffered and we all have a duty to help end this travesty.

"Goodes is a truly great Australian, a man who has enhanced our nation by continuing to remind us that racism sadly remains an issue. We urge our readers to stand together as part of a national declaration that this sorry chapter is not only closed, but that it cannot be repeated if we are to be truly able to say our nation is based on respect, decency and fairness."

The Herald's and the Age's leading commentators are speaking out in support of Goodes.

As author and former rugby star Peter FitzSimons said, there is nothing more un-Australian than the mass booing of Goodes. "The vilification of Goodes has to stop," he urged.

"Come back and play, Adam. You are not alone, and millions of Australians support and admire you."