The AFL and Sherrin have formally signed a new five-year partnership, ensuring Sherrin will remain the official match ball of the AFL until at least the end of the 2019 season.
As one of the most iconic brands in Australian sport, Sherrin has been manufacturing footballs for a 135 years. The new agreement will see Sherrin footballs used across every official AFL match, in addition to the continued supply of footballs throughout community football leagues.
AFL Chief Executive Officer, Gillon McLachlan, said the AFL was pleased to continue what is an intrinsic link with one of the game’s most enduring partners.
“The Sherrin brand is synonymous with Australian Football and is unquestionably part of the fabric of the game,” Mr. McLachlan said.
“As a brand, Sherrin shares a link to our game that few others can claim. Sherrin footballs remain one of the most iconic and enduring elements of Australian Football and we’re delighted to continue the relationship ahead of what promises to be an exciting year for the game.”
AFL match balls continue to be made in Australia at Sherrin’s Scoresby manufacturing facility, relying on essentially the same techniques and attention to detail as T.W Sherrin created and intended 135 years ago. Each piece of leather still undergoes a 23-step production process to deliver the finished product, with each one taking an average of 22 minutes to make from start to finish. The Scoresby factory produces roughly 500 balls each day, with many of these being corporate logoed balls for the AFL and the many leagues around the country.
Today, in addition to the traditional leather match ball, there are over 250 different styles of footballs across the Sherrin range. Sherrin remains committed to both the AFL and grassroots Australian Football, sponsoring over 50 different football leagues across the country.
“Sherrin is proud to extend our partnership with the AFL for another 5 years. We will continue to work with all stakeholders in this great game of ours, from the elite level to grass roots, and we are extremely proud to be such an integral part of a competition that is at the forefront of elite sport in this country,” said Russell Corporation Managing Director, Chris Lambert.
