Bond brothers withdraw claim over Showdown image

Troy and Shane Bond have dropped threats of legal action over the use of an iconic image, freeing the Crows and Port to present the Showdown trophy.

The image of Shane Bond (l) hugging brother Troy Bond during Port Adelaide vs. Adelaide Crows Showdown II at Football Park is used on the Showdown trophy. Picture: Football/AFL

The Showdown trophy featuring the iconic image of the Bond brothers was presented post-game on Saturday after they withdrew their threat of legal action against Adelaide and Port Adelaide.

Shane and Troy Bond withdrew their threat of legal action against the Crows and the Power for unauthorised use of their image on the Showdown trophy, the Showdown Medal and other promotional material.

Crows president John Olsen and chief executive Tim Silvers told functions of the development ahead of Showdown 54.

Port Adelaide Football Club Coach Ken Hinkley and Adelaide Football Club Coach Matthew Nicks hold the Showdown Trophy, which features the iconic image of the Bond brothers. Picture: Emma Brasier

The two clubs will meet with the Bond brothers next week to further discuss the issue regarding their image rights, with there not being any settlement despite Troy and Shane withdrawing their threat of legal action.

The famous image of Troy and Shane was taken after Showdown 2 in August 1997 and captures the brothers arm-in-arm walking off Football Park in pouring rain after a narrow Adelaide win.

This masthead revealed this week that Top South Australian lawyer Greg Griffin wrote to both clubs earlier this month seeking a meeting to discuss “our clients’ claim in relation to the use of their likenesses for promotional purposes”.

Mr Griffin says the Bond brothers did not authorise the Crows, Power or charity partner Variety SA to use their image and only became aware of the move days before the introduction of a revamped Showdown Shield in 2018.

Tonight, Mr Griffin was staying tight-lipped on the development.

“I’m leaving everything with Tim and Matthew, it’s their night,” he said.
“All I can say is we are working together.”

The two players are seeking a formal agreement and payment for past and ongoing use of their image rights.

Because of this, prior to their change of heart on Saturday, the Crows and Power not had the trophy at any of the media conferences ahead of the Showdown.