Port Adelaide CEO Keith Thomas commends Richmond for designing suitable clash jumperDaniel Cherny
The Age
March 10, 2015 Six months after his side were forced to wear their heritage jumper in a home final, Port Adelaide chief executive Keith Thomas has praised Richmond for designing a workable clash strip.
The Tigers unveiled their new clash jumper late last month. It is yellow with a black sash – the reverse of their traditional jersey.
Richmond's lack of a suitable alternative jumper was a point of consternation in the build-up to last year's elimination final after the Power were asked by the AFL to wear their clash guernsey despite finishing higher on the ladder than the Tigers, and earning the right to host the final at Adelaide Oval. After negotiations with the AFL, a compromise was eventually reached whereby Port wore their black and white 'prison bars' heritage jumper, made famous by Port Adelaide Magpies.
Keen to avoid a repeat of the issue, the league requested that the Tigers offer a more viable solution, which in turn led to them creating their new strip.
Thomas said a resolution was long overdue.
"We believe Richmond's decision to further modify their away guernsey is positive for the game. We hope all other cubs will demonstrate the leadership that Richmond is showing on this matter," Thomas said.
The Tigers will are likely to wear their new jumper five times in 2015, starting with a return trip to Adelaide Oval to face the Power. Games against Fremantle, Adelaide, Essendon and St Kilda also loom as likely games for the strip to be worn.
Thomas had previously accused the league of applying different standards for Victorian clubs and non-Victorian clubs, and hoped that Richmond's compliance would lead to other sides working with the league to ensure all clubs had suitable jumpers.
"The situation they faced last year, where their AFL-approved away guernsey was deemed to be inappropriate for use during the finals series, was disruptive and unacceptable for both clubs concerned."
"No club should be forced to don their away strip at their home ground, because the AFL has failed to implement appropriate policy."
Richmond's old clash strip also raised the ire of West Coast after the Eagles were forced to don their alternate jumper when hosting the Tigers in a Friday night game last July.
The Tigers and Power lock horns for the first time since last year's final when they meet in Lavington this Saturday. Both sides are set to wear their pre-season jumpers – with Port's distinctive teal strip and the Tigers' predominantly black number with a Tiger motif not presenting an issue.
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