Despite the Showdown postponement, Port supporters are still embracing the round where they were due to wear their famous jumper

It was due to be Showdown night and Port Adelaide’s 150th anniversary celebration, wearing their ‘Prison Bar’ guernsey. Yet, it was not to be, but that hasn’t dampened the spirits of the Port faithful.

12/09/19 – Magpies champs George Fiacchi and Tim Ginever will be part of Port Adelaide ramping up its celebrations ahead of the club's 150th year in 2020. Picture: Tom Huntley

• ‘We will survive’: Thomas on Port Adelaide
• How to get the most out of your Advertiser digital subscription

Tonight should’ve been a night where the two football powers in South Australia collided in a Showdown.

Yet, it was not to be as the AFL season was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, putting a dampener on not only the Crows’ first season under Matthew Nicks but Port Adelaide’s 150th anniversary season.

The Showdown was due to be a black and white night, with the Power donning the famous ‘Prison Bar’ jumper.

However, those plans have been put on the backburner for the time being, but that hasn’t stopped the Port Adelaide ‘true believers’ from keeping the night alive.

Today is #BringBackTheBars Day!

Take a photo of yourself wearing the best uniform in Australian football and share it with the hashtag #BringBackTheBars. George Fiacchi getting the ball rolling! pic.twitter.com/nRVUNfhRLe

— BringBackTheBars (@PrisonBars2020) March 28, 2020

Port Adelaide supporter and ‘Bring Back The Bars’ campaigner Nathan McGrath said it was great to see the passion shown among the supporters.

“It’s hugely disappointing (the season has been postponed), but there’s obviously a bigger picture,” he said.

“However, we are looking to wear the PB’s every year, so there’s plenty to still look forward to.

SHOWDOWN DAY!

The whole world is in crisis and now more than ever we stick together and not let this tear us apart!

Standing here with my real hero mother who works in aged care protecting those we love.@PAFC proud today! pic.twitter.com/l6q46OXIfj

— Jarrod Walsh (@jarrodwalsh) March 28, 2020

“I’m not entirely sure (how it started), people like George Fiacchi and via social media, it’s just caught on.

“It shows the passion for the guernsey is bigger than even this crisis.”

The re-release of the jumper for this season saw it sell out in the pre-season and before Christmas quickly, and McGrath said it just shows how vital the guernsey is to the club and its supporters.

Put the bars on Kochie. pic.twitter.com/qOZTZMPgq1

— Dave Lloyd (@AlbertonPower) March 28, 2020

“It’s more important than ever,” he said.

“The sales of the guernsey have made the club a lot of money and will be essential in keeping us alive through this.

“It’s a passion that can regularly tapped into and will ensure we can survive worldwide crises.

“It’s great that we can come together as a community and still enjoy our shared passion, history and the meaning it brings to our lives.

As we all know today would’ve been our home Showdown at Adelaide Oval, got my suit of armour on @PAFC #PrisonBars pic.twitter.com/1vuffXNIbL

— Benjamin 🍐 (@Grange1978) March 28, 2020

“It also shows that the continued wearing of the guernsey by the club in the AFL should be a priority when football returns.”

The AFL season has been postponed until the end of May at this point.

Originally published as Despite the Showdown postponement, Port supporters are still embracing the round where they were due to wear their famous jumper