Like you, I'm staggered that it's only February and we're already talking about clash jumpers.
Usually we have to wait until Collingwood plays North Melbourne in a Kangaroos' home game before the merits of clash jumpers are debated; perhaps it's a sign that the public is so hungry for footy that Thursday night's Essendon-Melbourne match is being debated, not so much for the standard of footy (not bad for the NAB Cup if we must say so) but for the fact both teams were wearing their usual home jumpers.
You have kindly asked the football public for their input into the issue, so here's mine, from the heart of the outer.
It's time the AFL to get serious on the issue. If you believe in the concept of clash jumpers, then follow the lead of the NFL (a world leader in most things sporting, many of which have become AFL policy) and mandate that every club has its traditional home jumper and a predominantly primary colour strip that it wears, not just when there is a clash, but every time it plays away.
Don't let the Collingwoods and the Essendons of the AFL bully you; don't let them hide behind excuses such as needing three-quarters of the club members agreeing to a change because it's part of the club constitution or any other type of nonsense.
The ball is in your court with this one. Simply write into the AFL rules that the home team gets first choice of which jumper it wears, the away team gets the second choice, and that the ultimate decision rests with the AFL. We know that with the occasional exception of marketing considerations or some sort of commemorative occasion, the home team will choose to wear its traditional jumper and dark shorts.
This rule still paves the way for a club such as North Melbourne to wear its alternative strip when playing at home, as it has against Collingwood in the past after reaching some sort of confidential commercial agreement with the Pies. If it's so important for particular clubs to wear their preferred strip at every match, then let them follow this route, and pay for the privilege - not that we endorse this form of bullying based on the size of bank balance.
This is where the AFL holds the whip hand. If clubs choose not to comply with this new rule, then you have the power to fine them, either at the time or by withholding some of their annual disbursement from the league. That might get their attention.
We understand that some of the clubs don't get it right when it comes to away strips. Some of them have been shockers, as have some of the original strips (e.g. Port Adelaide) and yes, we are talking about you, Melbourne and also you, Brisbane Lions. The Paddle Pop Lion belongs on an ice cream wrapper, not the front of an AFL jumper. The Port Adelaide white number reminds us of Mitre 10, not the manly pride of Alberton. We were amazed last year to learn that Hawthorn's 'camouflage' jumper created to respect our armed forces was the biggest seller for some years.
Again this is where the AFL can flex its muscle. You design three away jumpers for each club, predominantly based on a primary colour, and then let them choose which one they prefer. The clubs can put it to their members through their website, Twitter or Facebook. We at afl.com.au will only be too pleased to play a part.
You are the AFL. Design companies will be falling over each other to have their name associated with an AFL jumper, as will club marketing departments, willing their members to pay for the ongoing collection.
This debate might help put this odious subject to bed once and for all. And we can return to talking about what really matters, the footy.
Regards
Ashley Browne
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs
You can follow Ashley Browne on Twitter at twitter.com/hashbrowne
