AFL 2021: Port Adelaide remains in discussions over wearing prison-bar guernsey in Showdowns

Will the AFL let them or not? Port Adelaide is continuing ‘good-natured’ discussions about wearing its prison-bar guernsey in Showdowns, and believes it has a strong case.

Port Adelaide wearing its prison-bar guernsey in last year’s Showdown. Picture:(AAP /David Mariuz

Port Adelaide has just 10 weeks to convince the AFL it can wear its prison-bar guernsey in Round 8 against the Crows, as part of a pitch to don the jumper in all Showdowns.

The Power wants to play in the club’s traditional SANFL outfit in upcoming matches against its cross-town rival, starting on the weekend of May 7, but needs approval from the league, which is responsible for determining what teams wear.

Port Adelaide chairman David Koch told News Corp the club had been in discussions with AFL officials and remained hopeful of lining up in the black-and-white strip this year.

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Port played in their prison-bar guernsey against Adelaide last year.

The Power has worn it five times in AFL games, including against Adelaide in Round 2 last season, in front of a mere 2240 fans due to COVID restrictions.

“Discussions are ongoing and of a really good nature,” Koch said.

“We’d love to be able to wear them in the Showdown this year, in particular, because our members could not wear them in the Showdown last year.

“We just think it is fair to wear.”

A petition with more than 38,000 signatures forms a key part of the Power’s submission to the AFL.

Port Adelaide chief executive Matthew Richardson said the prison-bars were extremely important to the club’s fans.

“We’ve worn this jumper five times in 23 years so it’s not like we’ve been banging the door and beating the drum every single year,” Richardson said on SEN SA.

“We think the significance of the jumper is elevated for our people and the perfect spot for it is the Showdown because what that does is it talks to the history and heritage of South Australian footy perfectly.

Port Adelaide says its fans are central to its push to wear the guernsey twice a year.

“Our ideal is absolutely both Showdowns.

“Anything we can do (across the AFL) that strengthens that connection with the clubs is only going to make the competition better and stronger.”

Former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire has been the most vocal critic of Port Adelaide’s push, even threatening legal action if the AFL allows the Power to wear the jumper more often.

He has been adamant use of the guernsey – worn by the Port Adelaide in the SANFL since 1902 – is barred by AFL deals the Power has agreed to.

On Footy Classified in June last year, McGuire said: “Port Adelaide signed a petition, it was called a contract. They signed it twice, coming into the competition and another one that’s got my signature and (AFL chief executive) Gill McLachlan’s signature on it and the president of Port Adelaide. They (AFL) must defend the copyright.”

Former Pies president Eddie McGuire has been a vocal critic of Port’s guernsey push.

Past and present Port Adelaide officials deny that claim.

Koch said Collingwood and McGuire had nothing to do with the club’s prison-bar discussions, reiterating the Power’s long-time stance that the decision was up to the AFL only.

When contacted, the league said there was no update on the issue.

Meanwhile, Koch said McGuire, who resigned this month after the release of an independent report that identified systemic racism at Collingwood, had provided invaluable advice during his tenure.

“He has always been a great supporter of what I’ve been doing at the club,” Koch said.

“He has been a great sounding board on any issues I’ve rung him on, as I’ve done with a lot of the other presidents – we work together for the good of the game.

“Eddie has had a huge influence on the AFL over the decades and we wish him all the best.”

Originally published as AFL 2021: Port Adelaide remains in discussions over wearing prison-bar guernsey in Showdowns