Why Port Adelaide must wear its iconic prison bar guernsey

If it’s good for the fans, is it good for footy? That's what the AFL must ask themselves.

If the answer is yes, they must allow Port Adelaide to wear its iconic prison bars guernsey in Showdown clashes going forward.

Standing against them is former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire.

However, his main reason for opposition is the money Collingwood brings into the game "the Collingwood Football Club jumper is one of the most sought-after, expensive jumpers." says McGuire

"Collingwood receives $6 million a year less than Port Adelaide, so Collingwood is a net-giver every year and has been to the competition right the way through.”

"If they (Port) want to celebrate something big, when they start becoming a net-giver instead of a net-receiver, then we'll have a bit of a look at it”. “That jumper of Collingwood's keeps them going because we make a lot of money off the back of that.” says the former president.

But as passionate as Eddie is, he has identified one of the key reasons why saying yes to wearing the jumper will go a long way towards fixing Ports’ financial challenges.

In the COVID hit 2020 season, it was Port Adelaide’s prison bar guernsey that topped the AFL’s most sold list.

And with club debts soaring to record levels, surely this cash boost softens the blow.

Let’s not forget, when the AFL was looking to bring in a second AFL licence out of South Australia, they identified they needed an already established successful club with a rich history – They chose Port Adelaide and in turn their rusted on loyal fans.

But it’s hard not to notice how deathly silent the current Collingwood officials have been on the jumper debate.

You have to wonder if they really care if Port wear it for only two games? Or are they letting their former President fight this one for them?

And as much as Eddie is kicking up dust, this it isn’t his decision – it's ultimately the AFL’s call.

The AFL are the ones who own all club colours, designs, emblems and trademarks of the guernseys, not the clubs themselves – so it is they who must have the final say.

Unfortunately, the AFL more often than not chooses to govern by sitting back and waiting for the two parties - in this case Port and Collingwood - to come to an amicable outcome.

But as Port Chairman David Koch revealed yesterday “this issue is not going away because Eddie McGuire wants it to go away. We are simply asking to celebrate our heritage by wearing this guernsey in two showdowns a year at Adelaide Oval”.

Not worn in Victoria, not against Collingwood and in most cases not broadcast on free to air TV, such is the reluctance for the AFL’s free to air broadcaster Channel 7 to show our great home-town rivalry on prime-time national TV.

There is also the common belief amongst interstate teams that the AFL governs by keeping the big powerbroker clubs happy and it will once again rule accordingly in favour of Collingwood.

Need I mention the AFL’s inability to demand Collingwood produce a genuine clash guernsey like the rest of the competition has done.

Its time they pushed back against the big clubs and showed they have the courage to lead for all 18.

Allowing Port Adelaide to wear their iconic jumper would be a win for the fans - the people who pour their heart, soul and hard-earned cash into their club.

And as Koch revealed, still “respecting the clubs past heritage.”

Two games doesn't sound like such a big ask.