I have a question about the 'jumper debate'

[CureTheSane]

OK, so I am thinking about this issue, and I am wondering this.

If the jumper was changed to something other than the 'Opera House' design, would there be all this fuss from Melb based supporters?

Is it because the jumper is so 'Sydney' that the discussion continues?

I mean every club has changed their jumpers through the years, yet none really get the attention that Sydneys does.

It's been like it is for 2 decades now, so it's not liek it happened yesterday.

I reckon if it wasn't so Sydney orientated there wouldn't even be a discussion.....

[Plugger46]

I'm a Melbourne based supporter and have no problem with the current strip.

But the majority of Swans supporters like the idea of playing in the South Jumper, on occasions.

Personally i think that the current strip should be used in all home games and games in Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth. The south jumper in all Melbourne games. It's important to remember where we came from, and the greats that have played in the red and white. There is a huge history there, I think we should honour it, with the South jumper in Melbourne games.

- It would bring back old South supporters
- Create new members, resulting in revenue for the club.

I don't think too many people are opposed to it. It seems a win win situation for mine.

[robbieando]

I haven't got a problem with the current jumper.

As long as there keep the Red and White colours I'm happy and this applys to most Melbourne based supporters I know, the colours mean more to us than what the jumper looks like.

[DST]

I also have no problem with the current jumper, the colours are what is important.

But, if we have the chance to wear the old South Melbourne jumper when we play in Melbourne I would be more than happy to see that happen as well, as an old South Melbourne.

I think if you surveyed this board, both Melbourne & Sydney based members and for that matter all other states would tell you the colours should never change but they would have no issue with sharing the design between the old and the new.

DST

[desredandwhite]

Yep - pretty much agree with other opinions here.. The colours should stay, but I don't mind using an alternate design on occasion. Maybe for all games in Melbourne is a bit much, but I wouldn't mind seeing the old strip every now and then.

IMHO we should have a "mostly red" design, and a "mostly white" design that we can use with white shorts and hooped socks.

[Roscoe]

P46 for once I agree with you 100%

The current jumper for all Home games and away games against non Victorian teams.

The current jumper should also have SMFC on the back near the collar similar to what the Bulldogs have (FFC)

For all games in Melbourne wear the old South Jumper

Definetly a $$$$ spinner for Melbourne based revenue

[dimelb]

Agree with Plugger 46 on this one.

[robbieando]

I'm with P46 as well

On the old south jumper I would rather see one like the one against Collingwood, with the Red Back.

[sharp9]

Originally posted by Plugger46

- It would bring back old South supporters

You have to be kidding. Are you seriously suggesting that there are folks out there who supported South 20 years ago...and who now support another team (don't tell me a footy fan stops watching footy) who would reverse their decision based on what colour the Guernsey is in a couple of matches?

One match a year, for me - but without the team of the century logo.

White with the red V, white shorts and Candy socks...absolutely unbeatable on those days I would say.

[Rod_]

When Geoffrey Edleson advised that he was going to change I was devastated, as I had followed South for 20 years - but when the only change was superficial I must admit that I was fairly happy. I think the change adds value to the Swans Guernsey. And the test of time has made it part of what we are today. (A Sydney team with South Melbourne Roots) We are nearly everyone?s second team, thanks to the amount of TV broadcasting we have had over 20 years. Most of the Sydney youth has had exposure to Swans visiting the schools shopping centres etc. Don?t change or diminish the good that has been done and yet to be done.


To use the old jumpers for special occasions is good for special reasons works for me. But not every week in Melbourne ? special occasions only

Rod_

[scurrilous]

Originally posted by DST
I also have no problem with the current jumper, the colours are what is important.

But, if we have the chance to wear the old South Melbourne jumper when we play in Melbourne I would be more than happy to see that happen as well, as an old South Melbourne.

I think if you surveyed this board, both Melbourne & Sydney based members and for that matter all other states would tell you the colours should never change but they would have no issue with sharing the design between the old and the new.

DST

Totally in agreeance

[Plugger46]

Originally posted by sharp9
You have to be kidding. Are you seriously suggesting that there are folks out there who supported South 20 years ago...and who now support another team (don't tell me a footy fan stops watching footy) who would reverse their decision based on what colour the Guernsey is in a couple of matches?

One match a year, for me - but without the team of the century logo.

White with the red V, white shorts and Candy socks...absolutely unbeatable on those days I would say.

I know people that followed South 20 years ago, who follow noone in the AFL now, but probably in their heart have a still have a soft spot for the red and the white.

A perfect example is my Uncle, Nico's brother, he was a South supporter but stopped following us when we moved to Sydney. He showed a bit of interest in '96 but didn't go to any games. If he saw the old South jumper in Melbourne games, I wouldn't be suprised if he started to attend games again.

In saying that though sharp9, I wouldn't think there would be too many like that, but I'm positive there are old south supporters who support the club to a degree but don't by a membership. If the South jumper was brought back for some games, I think there's a fair chance they would re-consider. I dont think too many people change teams, they're not true followers of the game if they have.

[bloodboy]

I agree with all of you guys. I am a Melbourne based swans supporter and I think that out current jumper is a pretty good design...probably one of the best and most modern in the AFL. And why not have the SOH on the front of the jumper because, after all, we are now a Sydney based team.

I suppose what jerks most people's chains is the fact that nobody at the club seems to want to recognise that South Melbourne existed...especially that idiot Richard Colless. It is not only stupid from a membership point of view to ignore our Victorian roots, but also from a historical perspective. We must all remember where the Swans have come from and always uphold what they stand for. I can't believe I read on here the other day that somebody wanted to forget about South because of the lack of success that they had on the field. I thought that was pathetic. OK, maybe premierships are a very important part of success but they are not everything. And just becuase you are not the biggest premiership winner in the hsitory of the game does not mean that you forget about your heritage! I am proud to be associated with the South Melbourne/Sydney Swans and all that the xlub means to its many supporters out there. Yes they are in Sydney now and yes they have been out of melbourne for 20 years. But this does not mean we can simply forget about where the club has come from, what it has done for us and the people who have made it what it is today?

Ok, now that I have finished ranting, yes I think it is a good idea to occassionally (and by occassionally once a year at most) wear the old South jumper to show our heritage. An even better idea was mentioned above to have a SMFC printed on to our jumper just like the Bulldogs. And even better still, treat the Melbourne fans with a bit more respect Colless - allow us to appreciate our team in ways we don't get to living away from Sydney...give us a go!

There is my two cents!