Summer is the off season for the AFL. Many players are taking advantage of the long summer break to get married.  Gary Ablett Jnr and Patrick Dangerfield both wed on 1 January 2016, celebrating New Years Day nuptials. Liam Picken wed on New Years Eve, 2015. When the AFL Season ends players often enjoy an extended overseas holiday, or take the opportunity to play in the  International Rules Series in Ireland.

Vintage Saints Jumper

It is a time of retirements, re-signings and trades, rejuvenated training schedules, and team development. AFL Footy players usually enjoy some private time away from  public  scrutiny and media exposure.

tigers vintage jumper

Fans may turn their attention to cricket . Football Jumpers, jerseys, guernseys are rarely retired though. The sleeveless version can and will be worn throughout summer. New sponsors are signed but the team colours don't change, except in the recent case of Essendon Bombers who dropped the grey from their clash football guernsey, jersey, jumper.

Bombers Football Jumper

Vintage jumpers remain a constant and are feted by loyal fans all year long. Historically interesting they remain a regular feature to the proud owners collection.

Guernsey, a British term used to describe fishing attire, designed to keep the cold and wet out whilst fishermen ply their trade. The secret to the weaving was the hard twist given to the natural wool fibres in an effort to repel sea spray, maintain warmth, and provide a comfortable yet long wearing garment suitable for a hard life of toil at sea in damp conditions.

Vintage Tigers Footy Jumper

Proud Demons 150th anniversary Guernsey

The modern AFL footy guernsey is vastly different, and provides a hard wearing, long living protection of another type. Todays version is often manufactured in China from durable, synthetic, polyester fabric. The most popular style is sleeveless and is fashioned in vivid team colours sporting sponsors logos, players names and numbers. It is fashioned to resist moisture, of the sweat variety, brought on by players on field exertions. Its ability to resist spray may be called into validity when the player is receiving some helpful advice from the coach or some side line barracking from ardent fans.

Round 14 of the AFL Season was celebrated as Women' s Round . Women support footy at every level not just in the wearing of footy jumpers , jerseys , guernseys. Players , supporters , sponsors , mentors , coaches , fitness staff ,  women are involved at every level . On the playing field , the inaugural AFL Women's Exhibition game was played , prior to the match between Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs  . In the not to distant future ,it is believed each AFL club will have a women's representative side.

Hafey's Tigers Footy Jumper

The beleaguered Bombers , dogged by a drugs scandal , beat WCE in WA , hoping to silence critics and appease fans . Sydney beat Carlton at home in the teeming rain , and Port Power beat the Pies . The Saints got thrashed by the Tigers , and Melbourne squeeze out a 3 point victory over the Dogs . Hawks , Crows and Cats continue to win , and Kangas annihilate newcomers GWS.

Great legend of AFL Footy , Richmond Tiger , Tommy Hafey was spotted at St Kilda Beach preparing for an  early morning swim , last Sunday . His jovial reply , when queried on who would win between the Saints and Tiges , was " Saints are pretty good " An ironic response from the affable Richmond stalwart !

Round Four , of the AFL Home and Away Season , promises much .

saints vintage

Will the Saints extract revenge on the Dockers ?
Can the Giants be felled in Adelaide ?
Who will win the Qld Derby ?
Are the Blues able to make it four in a row ?
Is Buckley praying for a win for Collingwood before the historical Anzac Day match ?

vintage melb jumper

lions

 
When did Essendon last start an AFL season with four wins in a row?
Can the big Cats take the sluggish Tigers ?
Which of the feathered raptors , the Eagles or Hawks will win in the West?
How many Swans does it take to beat the Kangas ?
The victor of the Battle of the wooden spooners , is to be decided , between the Demons and Dogs .

swanscrows