Port Adelaide will wear their historic “prison bar” guernsey in its round three AFL showdown with Adelaide after reaching a long-awaited agreement with Collingwood.
Key points:
- Port Adelaide originally used the black and white guernsey in the SANFL before joining the AFL in 1997
- The Power had asked to use the design for games against Adelaide, but were blocked by the Magpies
- The club will now be allowed to use the guernsey in this year’s early season clash against the Crows
When Port entered the AFL in 1997 it was prevented from using the prison bar jumper, which it wore in the SANFL, amid opposition from Collingwood, which maintain the design was too similar to its own guernsey.
The Power has since consistently requested to wear the black-and-white striped heritage guernsey in showdowns, but was barred by the Magpies with former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire stridently opposed to it.
Port was permitted to wear the guernsey in round two, 2020, as part of their 150th anniversary, as well as a heritage round in 2003, but had several other requests to wear it knocked back, including in 2021 when players instead changed into the guernsey after a showdown win over Adelaide.
Collingwood’s shift in attitude marks a thawing of relations under McGuire’s successor Jeff Browne.
“While we own the stripes in the AFL competition, 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,” Browne said in a statement.
“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 counterpart Koch hailed the agreement as a win for Power fans and hoped to extend the agreement beyond 2023.
“If the last few years have taught us anything it is that the fans are central to our game,” he said in a statement.
“Our fans have asked for this guernsey. They understand more than any the importance of heritage and tradition and we are delighted to be able to wear this guernsey again for our people.
“Collingwood president Jeff Browne and chief executive Craig Kelly have 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. We thank them for their collegiate approach.”
Port Adelaide faces Collingwood at the MCG in round two.
AAP
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