AFL rejects Port Adelaide request to wear ‘prison bar’ guernsey amid Collingwood opposition

Port Adelaide has had their request to wear a black and white ‘prison bars’ guernsey denied by the AFL after Collingwood vehemently opposed the proposal.

The Power were hoping to wear the guernsey – which celebrates the heritage of the Port Adelaide Magpies – during the round 8 Showdown against city rivals Adelaide – with its close resemblance to Collingwood’s traditional black and white jersey causing angst when the topic has been brought up over the years.

But following heated debate led by former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire, Power supremo David Koch and former great Kane Cornes, the AFL decided to reject Port Adelaide’s wish to don the ‘prison bars’.

Under an agreement last season, the Power were permitted by the AFL to wear the disputed guernsey against the Crows during their club 150th anniversary celebrations – with Collingwood signing a contract giving Port Adelaide their blessing.

However, the sport’s governing body made it clear that it was one-off decision to allow the Power to celebrate its heritage, but left the door open for future discussions regarding the guernsey.

“After reviewing the request from the Port Adelaide Football Club, the AFL determined the existing signed agreements between the Port Adelaide Football Club, Collingwood and the AFL on the use of the “prison bar” guernsey would remain in place,” the AFL statement read.

“In 2019, the AFL, Port Adelaide and Collingwood came to an agreement that allowed one-off approval for the ‘prison bar’ guernsey to be worn in Port Adelaide’s home match against the Adelaide Crows to celebrate the Club’s 150th anniversary. 

“That agreement, signed by all parties, stipulated the guernsey was specifically approved for Port Adelaide’s use only for that single match in 2020 and Collingwood’s approval did not bind it with respect to any other future proposals by the Port Adelaide Football Club in respect of the guernsey.

“Collingwood Football Club has made it clear that, at this time, it does not agree to further use of the guernsey by PAFC including in ‘Showdown’ matches against Adelaide Crows.  

“On that basis, and consistent with the arrangements that have applied to all previous instances of use of the “prison bar” guernsey by Port Adelaide since the Club joined the AFL (i.e. with the approval of the AFL and Collingwood) the AFL does not grant permission for the guernsey to be worn in Round 8.

“The AFL will continue to work with both clubs going forward on any potential future use of the guernsey.”

Koch has regularly been outspoken about his wish for Port Adelaide to put on the ‘prison bar’ guernsey more often and recently criticised the AFL for failing to make a swift decision on the club’s request.

The Power president also revealed he was warned by the AFL that the club would lose four premiership points if they wore an unapproved jersey.