Bars are back! Port Adelaide to don famous jumper after ‘outstanding’ talks with Collingwood

Port Adelaide will wear its historic Prison Bar jumper in this year’s first Showdown, with club president David Koch labelling it a major win for the Power’s “loyal community” after “outstanding” negotiations with a previously-staunch Collingwood.

In a shock development, both the Power and Magpies confirmed on Saturday they’d reached an agreement that will see Port wear the heritage black-and-white jumper in its Round 3 home derby against the Adelaide Crows.

The agreement between Port Adelaide and Collingwood, for now, is just for this year, but Koch said he was hopeful his club could continue “our positive discussions with Collingwood in regards to wearing our black-and-white Prison Bar guernsey again next year and beyond”.

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In a statement, Koch said Pies president Jeff Browne and chief executive Craig Kelly had been “outstanding to deal with during these discussions”.

“There is a genuine sense of goodwill from Collingwood and an understanding that heritage is important to all clubs, not least of all Port Adelaide. We thank them for their collegiate approach,” Koch said.

“We look forward to continuing our positive discussions with Collingwood in regards to wearing our black-and-white Prison Bar guernsey again next year and beyond.”

Port’s big guernsey win – albeit temporary – comes after years of bickering between the two clubs over the Power’s determination to wear their heritage jumper, which features thin black and white stripes in a panel.

Port Adelaide players Jason Horne-Francis, Jase Burgoyne and Connor Rozee at Alberton Oval. Picture: Simon CrossSource: Supplied

An agreement between the two clubs was put in place when Port Adelaide entered the AFL that the Prison Bar jumper could only be worn in AFL heritage rounds. But as there’s no longer one dedicated AFL-driven heritage round, the Power had been asking Collingwood to don their Prison Bar guernsey for one Showdown against the Crows per year – a request the Magpies had previously denied.

The Power last wore their black-and-white jumper agaonst Adelaide in Round 2 of the 2020 season, which was their 150th anniversary year. Several requests to wear it in Showdowns denied.

The stand-off played out publicly across recent years, with big personalities Koch and former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire trading barbs on their respective TV platforms.

Despite McGuire leaving his Magpies post in February 2021, the deadlock continued. The Power later that year were threatened with the loss of premiership points if they wore the Prison Bar jumper against the AFL’s ruling for a Showdown. Cheekily, the team waited until post-match to change out of their playing strip to don the heritage jumper and celebrate the win.

Browne was then central to a stunning Prison Bar jumper twist last year when Collingwood was reportedly prepared for Port Adelaide to wear an alternative heritage jumper where the white stripes would instead be teal coloured.

But Browne on Saturday said the Magpies worked productively with Port Adelaide to enable it to wear its Prison Bar jumper in Round 3 this year.

“Since the formation of the Collingwood Football Club in 1892, we have worn black-and-white stripes. The Collingwood jumper is part of the fabric of our Club and is one of the most iconic in Australian football,” Browne said.

Port Legend John “Jack” Cahill with players Jason Horne-Francis, Jase Burgoyne and Connor Rozee. Picture: Simon CrossSource: The Advertiser

“When Port Adelaide entered the AFL in 1997, a binding agreement was signed between the club and Collingwood, with Port giving up the black and white colours and the Magpie emblem as part of their entrance into the national competition.

 “While we own the stripes in the AFL competition, we acknowledge the history and origins of the Port Adelaide Football Club and their contribution to South Australian football over a long period of time.

“As President of the club board and following ongoing discussions with Port Adelaide president David Koch, it is our view that we acknowledge the history of Port Adelaide prior to their entry into the AFL and support them to wear their ‘Prison Bar’ guernsey in their upcoming home Showdown against the Crows in Round 3.”

Koch said Port Adelaide players would wear the heritage jumper with “great pride” as they “celebrate and honour the legacy of those who have come before us”.

“Ultimately this magnificent black-and-white guernsey belongs to our people. It’s our people’s guernsey,” Koch said.

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“Our community has been overwhelming in their desire for Port Adelaide to wear this guernsey again in the AFL and this outcome is for our loyal community made up of members, supporters, partners, staff, volunteers, players and past players. This is for the entire Port Adelaide family.

“If the last few years have taught us anything it is that the fans are central to our game. Our fans have asked for this guernsey. They understand more than any the importance of heritage and tradition and we are delighted to (be) able to wear this guernsey again for our people.

“This guernsey has been the fabric of our club since 1902 and represents everyone who has made Port Adelaide the club it is today.

“And there is no better time to wear this guernsey than against our South Australian rivals.”

Collingwood and Port Adelaide will face off at the MCG in Round 2, with both Browne and Koch in their respective statements urging the two support bases to attend the game. The two clubs will be putting on buses from Adelaide to Melbourne to help Power fans and SA-based Magpies supporters attend the game.