That is the reason and it's embarrassing that the AFL still thinks like that in 2012.
Ridiculous argument. I'd say more AFL supporters don't want to see one set of clash rules for one team and another set of rules for another team. Either there's a clash or there isn't.
I wouldn't say 'everyone' wants to see Carlton wear their Sturt strip in an away game against Collingwood, but the vast majority would like to see Carlton and Essendon follow the same rules as every other club in the competition. If Carlton is so embarrassed by their light blue, they shouldn't sell it.
How did traditional guernseys become traditional anyway? How come every club isn't wearing the same design as they had a hundred years ago? If Carlton kept their white away strip, or embraced their blue strip and wore it when they were obliged to, all of a sudden, it becomes part of their identity, without taking anything away from their association with the navy blue. Like West Coast's home guernsey. Like Fremantle and Port Adelaide's away guernseys. Like the Bulldogs' away guernsey.
I saw research on this in 2007, the last time I've heard of the AFL doing polling on this.
It was something like 80% of football fans preferred the opposition club to wear their traditional jumpers if there was no clash.
I don't know if it was a Yes Minister type poll where they get the numbers they want, but I am certain it was something of that magnitude.
As far as clubs wearing what they wore in 1912, here is the breakdown:
Carlton basically do wear the same, Navy with White monogram
Collingwood do wear the same. Black with White stripes
Essendon wear the same, Black with Red sash
Fitzroy; now appearing as Brisbane; Dark Maroon with Blue yoke.. They've added a Paddle Pop lion and dragged the yoke lower.
Footscray; as of this year are now wearing what they wore in 1912
Geelong; Bluee & White hoops, so they're the same
Hawthorn; Gold with Blue yoke in the Ammos. They're different.
Melbourne have added a Red Yoke to their Navy jumper
North Until earlier tonight I would have told you they were wearing Blue & White stripes in 1912, but they may have been Blue with White yoke until about 1918, then the stripes.
Richmond Black with Yellow band is now a sash
StKilda 6 Red White and Black stripes are now three panels
South Melbourne nee Sydney, White with Red sash is now White with Red yoke and back
Why don't clubs wear what they wore one hundred years ago?
Most of them already do. Or something very similar.