AFL 2021: Port Adelaide remain confident of being able to play Showdown in prison-bar guernsey
Even with the game fast approaching and the AFL remaining silent, Port Adelaide refuse to give up on wearing the famous prison-bars jersey in the Showdown.
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The first Showdown of 2021 is a month away but Port Adelaide remain unsure if it can wear their prison-bar guernsey.
Time is ticking for the Power to receive AFL permission to don the jumper against the Crows at Adelaide Oval on May 8.
The league allocated the match to a prime time Saturday slot at 7.10pm when they revealed the fixture for rounds seven and eight on Thursday.
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Port Adelaide has been in ongoing discussions with the AFL about playing in its black-and-white strip but is awaiting the league’s approval.
It is understood the Power has sets available to wear if it gets permission and does not need them made, like before their 2014 elimination final against Richmond.
Port Adelaide chief executive Matthew Richardson said the club had formally requested to wear the jumper in all Showdowns.
A petition with more than 38,000 signatures is part of the Power’s bid.
“We’ve presented the club’s position to the AFL on our heritage prison-bar guernsey,” Richardson said.
“We are awaiting notice from the AFL on the way forward from here.”
The Power has worn the guernsey five times in the AFL, including in last year’s sole Showdown in the club’s 150th season, and played in it in the SANFL since 1902.
Last month former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire – the most vocal opponent to the Power’s prison-bar push – said everyone was sick of the issue.
He has been adamant the Power has agreed to AFL deals barring the guernsey’s use – a suggestion denied by past and present Port Adelaide officials.
“They’ve got a thousand jumpers they can wear, they’ve got a really good jumper this year, they might have a premiership jumper,” McGuire said on Footy Classified.
“Worry about that, worry about making money and stop annoying us every year.
“The AFL … they must protect the trademark.”
Port Adelaide chairman David Koch responded by saying: “As we’ve said all along, it is a decision for the AFL and we’ll continue to go through the official channels”.
The AFL said on Thursday there was no update on the issue.
Meanwhile, the Power and Crows’ Round 7 game times were also announced on Thursday.
Port Adelaide will play Brisbane at the Gabba on May 1 on Saturday night, while Adelaide will host GWS that afternoon.
Originally published as AFL 2021: Port Adelaide remain confident of being able to play Showdown in prison-bar guernsey
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