Portfolio SJohnno's 90s AFL

[sjohnson]

The year is 1995, and the Australian Football League’s fifth season is soon to commence. Consisting of two divisions with fourteen teams apiece, Australia’s national sport is more popular than ever, with record-breaking average top-flight attendances. But first, the backstory…

After years of losing elite players to Victoria, the WAFL and SANFL decided enough was enough, and made moves to form a merged competition to rival – and according to plan, overshadow – the Victorian Football League. So, in 1989, the South-West Australian Football League was formed, paralleling the VFL for three years. Despite promising to improve Australian Football, the South-West league ultimately damaged the game, due to SWAFL crowds being no greater than those of the former state leagues, while also leading to lesser VFL television audiences – not to mention the separation of the country’s finest talent into different competitions.

Following another mediocre season of footy in 1991, the game’s governing body, the National Football Commission, sought to rectify the problem. The only trouble with this was the limited time frame, with the 1992 season rapidly approaching. Multiple concepts were floated, including the introduction of new franchises, and a league of state representative teams. However, it became evident that none of the proposed concepts would make footy great again, so some bright spark in NFC headquarters proposed a unified national competition, consisting of traditional teams in a revolutionary divisional league. Ultimately, this concept with given the tick of approval by NFC chairman Bruce Doull. And so the Australian Football League was born. Every club participating in a state league before 1989 had the opportunity to apply for a position in the league; however, entry was not guaranteed, forcing some clubs needed to make drastic changes to increase their chances of acceptance.

In terms of the new league’s aesthetics, the NFC mandated that every club must have a second guernsey providing ample contrast to the clubs’ traditional home jumper, while white shorts were made compulsory for away games, unless the home team chose to wear light shorts.

TL,DR; this is the Australian Football League. Ideal footy.

Hope you enjoy

 

[sjohnson]

To kick off the Division 1 clubs... Footscray

Despite little success in their long history, the Bulldogs’ strong Western Suburbs following ensured their entrance into the AFL. Though all first division clubs had the opportunity to play in the nation’s larger stadiums, the Dogs opted to remain in the club’s heartland at Whitten Oval. The arrival of a new era of Footscray football was marked by the introduction of wearing red shorts at home, worn with the iconic hoops design introduced in the 70s. Away from home, the Dogs don a red version of the hoops. With the recent addition of young gun Brad Johnson, the club looks to be in a strong position to challenge for its second flag.

 

[sjohnson]

East Perth
Despite VFL license offers in the late 80’s, the Royals stayed in the west, winning two of the three SWAFL flags. Based on this success and their large supporter base, East Perth had little trouble obtaining first division status in the AFL. The Royals wear the traditional blue with a black yoke at their home ground of the WACA; when white shorts aren’t enough to solve a clash on the road, a black-based guernsey is worn, with a subtle regal pattern in the blue yoke - and in the numbers too, because its the 90's and why the hell not?

 

[Freight Train]

Looking forward to seeing where this one goes sjohnson

 

[sjohnson]

Norwood
As one of the South Australia’s top clubs, the Redlegs had multiple smaller SANFL clubs inquire about a potential merger so the smaller clubs could grow their fan base and almost certainly gain acceptance into the first division. However, the Legs had nothing to gain from amalgamating, so they declined merger offers and successfully applied for a top flight license. In a move described by many as “making up for the dullness of their traditional jumper,” the call was made on The Parade to adopt an outlandish alternate jumper design, going almost a little too hard on the watermarks.

 

[Prison bar Pete]

Norwood
As one of the South Australia’s top clubs, the Redlegs had multiple smaller SANFL clubs inquire about a potential merger so the smaller clubs could grow their fan base and almost certainly gain acceptance into the first division. However, the Legs had nothing to gain from amalgamating, so they declined merger offers and successfully applied for a top flight license. In a move described by many as “making up for the dullness of their traditional jumper,” the call was made on The Parade to adopt an outlandish alternate jumper design, going almost a little too hard on the watermarks.

I kinda like the fact they can get away with such a bland jumper, but geez it would look much better with the monogram in red on the front

 

[Zoops]

I kinda like the fact they can get away with such a bland jumper, but geez it would look much better with the monogram in red on the front

I wonder where we may have seen that before?

 

[magpienato]

I love the clean template Can't wait to see more.

 

[sjohnson]

West Perth
Given the potential for big crowds at derbies, the AFL had little hesitation granting the Falcons a license, given East Perth’s prior admission into the league. In the competition’s four years, the Perth Derby has provided three of the ten biggest crowds, due to the fierce historical rivalry, aided by the current strength of both clubs. Based at Leederville Oval, the Cardies wear the traditional red and blue, with an inverse on the road – featuring the logo on the front, due to the club’s marketing team believing it would appeal to the younger demographic.

 

[sjohnson]

Sydney Saints
After decades of mediocrity at Moorabbin, St Kilda made the move up to the harbour City in the mid-80s to become the first non-Victorian team in the VFL. As New South Wales’ only AFL club, the Saints have built a big following, translating to on-field success, taking out a first AFL premiership in 1993. Retaining the tri-colours of St Kilda, the Saints chose to adopt a new jumper design upon relocation, consisting of a black base with a white cross, and red highlights. The alternate strip is a simple re-colour, maintaining the club’s bold look. With the Sydney Cricket Ground serving as the Saints’ fortress, Sydney looks set for more September footy.

 

[Spanna_]

West Perth
Given the potential for big crowds at derbies, the AFL had little hesitation granting the Falcons a license, given East Perth’s prior admission into the league. In the competition’s four years, the Perth Derby has provided three of the ten biggest crowds, due to the fierce historical rivalry, aided by the current strength of both clubs. Based at Leederville Oval, the Cardies wear the traditional red and blue, with an inverse on the road – featuring the logo on the front, due to the club’s marketing team believing it would appeal to the younger demographic.

Looking good

 

[jmac91]

Sydney Saints
After decades of mediocrity at Moorabbin, St Kilda made the move up to the harbour City in the mid-80s to become the first non-Victorian team in the VFL. As New South Wales’ only AFL club, the Saints have built a big following, translating to on-field success, taking out a first AFL premiership in 1993. Retaining the tri-colours of St Kilda, the Saints chose to adopt a new jumper design upon relocation, consisting of a black base with a white cross, and red highlights. The alternate strip is a simple re-colour, maintaining the club’s bold look. With the Sydney Cricket Ground serving as the Saints’ fortress, Sydney looks set for more September footy.

ummmmm. What happens to South Melbourne?

 

[caloschwaby]

ummmmm. What happens to South Melbourne?

They vanish without a trace

 

[hansie]

They vanish without a trace

I do not like this


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[sjohnson]

Hawthorn
Following the very successful Michael Tuck era, the Hawks had no trouble gaining acceptance into the league’s top flight. Though viewed by many as an abomination of fashion, the brown and gold stripes were going nowhere, complimented by the Hawks’ inaugural jumper as an alternative strip, emblazoned with the club’s monogram. Drawing huge crowds to the mighty MCG, it appears as though Hawthorn’s domination will see no end.

 

[Prison bar Pete]

Hawthorn
Following the very successful Michael Tuck era, the Hawks had no trouble gaining acceptance into the league’s top flight. Though viewed by many as an abomination of fashion, the brown and gold stripes were going nowhere, complimented by the Hawks’ inaugural jumper as an alternative strip, emblazoned with the club’s monogram. Drawing huge crowds to the mighty MCG, it appears as though Hawthorn’s domination will see no end.

I think the world would be a better place if Hawthorn IRL used the brown as Main (with or without monogram) and the gold as Clash

 

[sjohnson]

Port Adelaide
The Magpies were never going to have any trouble making it into footy’s top tier. What they weren’t expecting was for the newer club of Collingwood – led by Eddie McGuire – to object so strongly to Port’s ancient identity. After initial meetings to make a compromise failed, all hell broke loose in the footy aesthetics department. After months of failed negotiations, the matter was taken to the National Football Commission court, where it was decreed Port Adelaide should have the right to enter Division 1 with an identity of their choosing. So the Magpies of Port swooped straight into the top flight, leaving Collingwood retreating with their metaphorical feathered tails between their legs, to explore their options. With a new rivalry to add to their growing collection, Port look to be in a strong position to challenge for finals.

 

[TGDesigns]

Very interesting so far...we may be shafted north but all the designs are nice. Although personally Collingwood could get away with wearing white with black stripes if they played Port Adelaide away. The Bulldogs' away is a winner and so is Norwood's away. Do West Perth and East Perth play some home games in Subiaco, especially against each other? Same with Norwood playing some games at Football Park or Adelaide Oval much like what Port Adelaide have done in our timeline?

 

[sjohnson]

Queensland Roos
Due to a lack of success and a dwindling supporter base, the call was made on Arden Street to relocate to the sunshine state, thus boosting their chances of Division 1 acceptance, given the league desired a truly national footprint. And so, the Roos bounded further north, rebranding as the Queensland Roos, monopolising the state’s footy market. The addition of Queensland's state colour came with the relocation, with the bounding roo jumper worn at home, and North’s traditional strip on the road.

 

[jmac91]

Queensland Roos
Due to a lack of success and a dwindling supporter base, the call was made on Arden Street to relocate to the sunshine state, thus boosting their chances of Division 1 acceptance, given the league desired a truly national footprint. And so, the Roos bounded further north, rebranding as the Queensland Roos, monopolising the state’s footy market. The addition of Queensland's state colour came with the relocation, with the bounding roo jumper worn at home, and North’s traditional strip on the road.

Sydney Saints
After decades of mediocrity at Moorabbin, St Kilda made the move up to the harbour City in the mid-80s to become the first non-Victorian team in the VFL. As New South Wales’ only AFL club, the Saints have built a big following, translating to on-field success, taking out a first AFL premiership in 1993. Retaining the tri-colours of St Kilda, the Saints chose to adopt a new jumper design upon relocation, consisting of a black base with a white cross, and red highlights. The alternate strip is a simple re-colour, maintaining the club’s bold look. With the Sydney Cricket Ground serving as the Saints’ fortress, Sydney looks set for more September footy.

Does this mean that Fitzroy and South Melbourne Merge?

 

[sjohnson]

Sturt
In keeping with South Australia’s traditional representation in the AFL, the Double Blues gained acceptance into the top flight as a combination of its large supporter base and historical success – not to mention the potential for large crowds when playing Port and Norwood. Despite Unley Oval forever being the club’s training base and spiritual home, Sturt took up the offer to play home games at Adelaide Oval, leading to an increase in attendance. Wearing the classic SFC monogram, and one of the club’s early jumpers on the road, the Blues aim to reignite the club’s glory days and add to their collection of flags.

 

[sjohnson]

Does this mean that Fitzroy and South Melbourne Merge?

No one said Fitzroy were staying in Victoria

 

[jmac91]

No one said Fitzroy were staying in Victoria

Canberra? Northern Territory? North Queensland? Gold Coast? New Zealand? The List Goes On and On

 

[fancyscum]

Sturt
In keeping with South Australia’s traditional representation in the AFL, the Double Blues gained acceptance into the top flight as a combination of its large supporter base and historical success – not to mention the potential for large crowds when playing Port and Norwood. Despite Unley Oval forever being the club’s training base and spiritual home, Sturt took up the offer to play home games at Adelaide Oval, leading to an increase in attendance. Wearing the classic SFC monogram, and one of the club’s early jumpers on the road, the Blues aim to reignite the club’s glory days and add to their collection of flags.

One word to describe this, pure class.

 

[magpienato]

Queensland Roos
Due to a lack of success and a dwindling supporter base, the call was made on Arden Street to relocate to the sunshine state, thus boosting their chances of Division 1 acceptance, given the league desired a truly national footprint. And so, the Roos bounded further north, rebranding as the Queensland Roos, monopolising the state’s footy market. The addition of Queensland's state colour came with the relocation, with the bounding roo jumper worn at home, and North’s traditional strip on the road.

Reckon it would look better with that more 'reddish-brown' that the Bears had but looks great nonetheless.