Trial set to allow names on AFL jumpers

[Eastdog]

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-01-30/trial-for-names-on-jumpers

Trial set to allow names on AFL jumpers

Adam McNicol January 30, 2014 6:52

PLAYERS are set to wear guernseys with their names written across the back during this year's home and away season.

The innovation will involve a one-week trial at some point during the 2014 Toyota AFL Premiership season.

AFL.com.au reported last July that the idea was gaining strong support among the League's executive.

The following month, AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou told ABC Radio that he was keen to see players' names on jumpers.

Demetriou said he believed such a move would help the game increase its following in New South Wales and Queensland.

"I'm actually enthusiastic about it but I keep getting the arguments against it, which I don't buy," Demetriou said.

AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said the trial was likely to be held over a single round early in the season.

Former Greater Western Sydney coach Kevin Sheedy has led the charge for names to be added to the backs of jumpers.

It is believed that the Giants and fellow expansion club Gold Coast are strong supporters of the concept.

Geelong defender Cameron Guthrie was quick to tweet his support for the concept.

[GVGjr]

I think so many fans have trouble even identifying the player numbers when the game is in progress so I'm not sure how adding the names to the jumpers will add to the experience of watching the games.

[The Underdog]

I think so many fans have trouble even identifying the player numbers when the game is in progress so I'm not sure how adding the names to the jumpers will add to the experience of watching the games.

Agree, it seems pointless to me. You'll only be able to read them on TV close ups. But I suspect it's more about merchandising anyway.

[bornadog]

For me it will help with identifying opposition players, especially all the new kids coming through.

[ledge]

Great idea I have said it for years it should be done , only reason for just having numbers is so people buy a footy record.

[soupman]

Why would anyone care what Cameron Guthrie's twitter account has to say on the matter?

I would prefer they didn't have them to be honest, I don't really see what they add and there's something about the simplicity of just a number that I like. It's not that it's "traditional", it's just the number requires nothing more.

[Ozza]

Personally, I think its nonsense.

You won't be able to read the names at the ground, and on tv - surely there are enough avenues already to find out who a player is - with the commentators calling them, stats coming up on screen, iPhone apps etc etc.

Its unnecessary and won't improve the look of the jumpers. I remember Aker writing an article saying we should have names on jumpers...and thought, "Of course you want names on jumpers, you big head".

[The Underdog]

Great idea I have said it for years it should be done , only reason for just having numbers is so people buy a footy record.

I know I won't be able to read them from level 3 of Etihad whereas I can still see the numbers. Don't see how it helps from that end. Might be of some assistance on TV I guess.

[Ghost Dog]

Will help me tell Cooney from Young at least hehe.

[Mofra]

With our financial situation, we're going to have to cut Bunty & Gia just to afford jumpers - cost us a fortune in letters

[Maddog37]

Will help sell jumpers like the US major sports do. It is simply about merchandising.

Quite like it myself even though I feel it is fairly cynical.

[GVGjr]

For me it will help with identifying opposition players, especially all the new kids coming through.


As opposed to the numbers?

[bornadog]

As opposed to the numbers?

I don't buy a record so I don't always know all the opposition numbers

[LostDoggy]

Will help sell jumpers like the US major sports do. It is simply about merchandising.

Quite like it myself even though I feel it is fairly cynical.

It's a good idea for clubs like ours — we could cycle the players through different numbers each season to force the fans to buy another guernsey.

Another thing to think about is the legacy of a number itself. I reckon there's something to be said for those who put #7 on for Dougie, kept it for West, and still have it for Higgins. Or #3. But then, I only just bought my first new guernsey in 22 years last year, so I'm probably not the target demographic.

[Hotdog60]

Healy must have been the starter of this. But he will still use Brad Boyd.

[ledge]

They will still have the numbers so player/number recognition is still there.

[Maddog37]

It's a good idea for clubs like ours — we could cycle the players through different numbers each season to force the fans to buy another guernsey.

Another thing to think about is the legacy of a number itself. I reckon there's something to be said for those who put #7 on for Dougie, kept it for West, and still have it for Higgins. Or #3. But then, I only just bought my first new guernsey in 22 years last year, so I'm probably not the target demographic.

Thats the whole point though. Now if you have a jumper and the player retires you will buy a new jumper with your next fav player rather than just stick with the number itself.

[mighty_west]

For me it will help with identifying opposition players, especially all the new kids coming through.

Agree with this, not as fussed with the Dogs players as I'd know them all anyway, but opposition players, and yes, especially the kids and 3rd or 4th year players who have only managed a handful of games.

[Topdog]

Thats the whole point though. Now if you have a jumper and the player retires you will buy a new jumper with your next fav player rather than just stick with the number itself.

Not really you will still be able to buy a shirt with no name on it.