I'm not totally against an alternative strip but the AFL always justify the "football community interest" line by saying bringing more money into the game is in the football community's interest. Problem is more money doesn't always equate to the best delivery of service (eg: Telstra run websites).
The Club on the other hand doesn't have a leg to stand on as far as protesting against an alternative strip. The AFL owns the logos, emblems, jumpers, etc..