HAWTHORN supporters will have fewer reasons to complain about the club's next clash jumper. That's because one of their own will get to design it.
The Hawks confirmed on Thursday that the divisive 'Power Rangers' strip will be discontinued at the end of 2016.
In its place will come a new clash jumper and the club will launch a competition on its website early next year seeking a fresh take.
Speaking at the Hawks' annual general meeting, chief executive Stuart Fox admitted this year's design wasn't particularly popular among supporters, but that the club was locked into two-year cycles when it comes to the clash jumpers.
He said the Hawks anticipated only having to wear it "once or twice" in 2016 and urged supporters to get their creative juices going to plan the clash jumper for the following season.
But he also issued them a reminder. "Don't come back to us with something that is just another version of brown and gold stripes. The requirement from the AFL is that it has to be predominately white, so that had to be the starting point," he said.
Hawthorn has been the subject of mirth for its alternative jumpers, particularly the strips worn in the pre-season.
Its most famous - or infamous - pre-season jumper was worn in 1995 against the Sydney Swans. That jumper had an unusual diamond design and is now seen as the club's iconic ugly guernsey.
The problem for Hawthorn has always been the brown and gold colours – beloved by the faithful but reviled and ridiculed by the rest. The 'Power Rangers' strip, with its metallic influences, was the most radical design yet, but despite the commentary, the club reported healthy sales, particularly among younger supporters.
The Hawks are also planning a new jumper for the Indigenous Round next year, with Fox indicating that that it might be worn on several occasions.
Hawthorn's Paul Hudson before the 1995 pre-season game against the Swans. Picture: AFL Media
The Hawks pre-season jumper at the start of the 2000s. Picture: AFL Media
Joel Smith and Daniel Chick during the 2001 Ansett Cup. Picture: AFL Media
Shane Crawford and the Hawks during the 1999 pre-season. Picture: AFL Media
Another shocker: The Hawks' heritage strip in 2005. Picture: AFL Media
The Hawks' camouflage strip in 2011. Picture AFL Media
