AFL 2021: Banners to return for AFLW Grand Final, Round 6 AFL

Banners have been absent from AFL matches since the 2019 Grand Final, and the league has ruled on when they will return.

One of footy’s greatest traditions - the banner - will make a welcome return for Saturday’s AFLW Grand Final between Adelaide and Brisbane at the Adelaide Oval.

Banners will also return for the AFL men’s competition from the start of Round 6.

The AFL ticked off approval on Thursday for cheersquads of competing clubs to make and erect the banners for teams to run through prior to the start of each match.

It will be the first time they will have been used in men’s football since the pre-COVID 2019 AFL Grand Final when Richmond defeated Greater Western Sydney.

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It means there will be a banner for ANZAC Day, like this one in 2019. Picture: Michael Klein.

AFL executive general manager of football operations Steve Hocking said he was pleased the league had been granted clearance to revive one of the game’s traditions.

“Banners are a special part of footy and have a deep and meaningful connection to supporters and clubs across the country,” Hocking said.

“We are thrilled to see such a unique part of our game return for the biggest match on the women’s footy calendar - the 2021 NAB AFLW Grand Final.

“The club banner is a great tradition and a real connector for cheersquads, supporters and their teams across the country

“We understand the banner is so much more than the final product on matchday - it’s the sense of connection that comes with being part of the cheersquad group who make them every week.

“We cannot wait to see banners back at the footy.”

The AFL Fans Association and club cheersquads have been lobbying for the return of the banners, with the AFL alerting clubs late on Thursday of their imminent return.

Originally published as AFL 2021: Banners to return for AFLW Grand Final, Round 6 AFL