The pettiest stalemate in AFL historical past is lastly over.
Port Adelaide will put on its conventional ‘Prison Bar’ jumper on this 12 months’s first Showdown after Collingwood lastly relented and agreed to let the Power put on the guernsey.
Both the Power and Magpies introduced on Saturday they’d reached an settlement that can enable Port to put on their heritage black and white jumper within the Round 3 residence derby towards the Adelaide Crows.
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The settlement is only for this season for now, however Port Adelaide president David Koch is hopeful of constant “our positive discussions with Collingwood in regards to wearing our black-and-white Prison Bar guernsey again next year and beyond”.
In an announcement, Koch stated Collingwood president Jeff Browne and chief government Craig Kelly had been “outstanding to deal with during these discussions”.
“There is a genuine sense of goodwill from Collingwood and an understanding that heritage is important to all clubs, not least of all Port Adelaide” Koch stated.
“Ultimately this magnificent black-and-white guernsey belongs to our people. It’s our people’s guernsey.
“Our community has been overwhelming in their desire for Port Adelaide to wear this guernsey again in the AFL and this outcome is for our loyal community made up of members, supporters, partners, staff, volunteers, players and past players. This is for the entire Port Adelaide family.
“If the last few years have taught us anything it is that the fans are central to our game. Our fans have asked for this guernsey. They understand more than any the importance of heritage and tradition and we are delighted to able to wear this guernsey again for our people.
“This guernsey has been the fabric of our club since 1902 and represents everyone who has made Port Adelaide the club it is today.
“And there is no better time to wear this guernsey than against our South Australian rivals. Our players will wear this heritage guernsey with great pride on the national stage to celebrate and honour the legacy of those who have come before us.”
Port’s jersey breakthrough comes after years of public back-and-forth between Koch and former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire.
The Magpies’ refusal to let Port put on the jersey was seen by many as weird, contemplating Port weren’t asking to put on the jail bars in a sport towards Collingwood.
The heritage guernsey options skinny white and black stripes, whereas Collingwood’s traditional jersey has thicker black and white stripes.
Port Adelaide final wore the jersey towards Adelaide in Round 2 of the 2020 season of their a hundred and fiftieth anniversary 12 months.
Multiple requests to put on it in Showdowns have been denied, and in 2021 the Power have been threatened with the lack of premiership factors in the event that they wore the Prison Bar jumper within the Showdown towards the AFL’s guidelines.
Instead, the group waited till post-match to alter out of their enjoying strip to placed on the heritage jumper and rejoice the win.
In an announcement, Browne stated Collingwood nonetheless “own the stripes in the AFL competition” however “we acknowledge the history and origins of the Port Adelaide Football Club and their contribution to South Australian football over a long period of time”.
“Since the formation of the Collingwood Football Club in 1892, we have worn black-and-white stripes. The Collingwood jumper is part of the fabric of our Club and is one of the most iconic in Australian Football,” Browne stated.
“When Port Adelaide entered the AFL in 1997, a binding agreement was signed between the Club and Collingwood, with Port giving up the black and white colours and the Magpie emblem as part of their entrance into the national competition.
“As President of the Club Board and following ongoing discussions with Port Adelaide President David Koch, it is our view that we acknowledge the history of Port Adelaide prior to their entry into the AFL and support them to wear their ‘Prison Bar’ guernsey in their upcoming home Showdown against the Crows in Round Three.”
Port Adelaide and Collingwood play one another in Round 2 on the MCG, with the Power will put on its customary teal jersey.
Source: www.news.com.au
