If you’re a Roosters fan heading down to Allianz Stadium, you know the power of a good jersey. But when we switch codes and look at the AFL, the history of their merchandise tells a completely different story. From the iconic woolen jumpers of the 1970s to the modern, high-tech playing kit, AFL gear is as much about tradition as it is about fashion. Let’s break down the key terms and history behind the merch that fuels the game down south.
AFL Merchandise History Glossary
Here are the essential terms to know when exploring the history of AFL jerseys, scarves, and collectibles.
Guernsey
In AFL circles, the word "guernsey" is used instead of "jersey" or "strip." While we talk about the Roosters Jersey, an AFL fan talks about their club’s guernsey. Historically, these were heavy wool jumpers with long sleeves. Well-known examples include the Collingwood black and white stripes and the Richmond yellow and black sash. The term is so ingrained that players "earn their guernsey" by making the team.Playing Kit
This is the complete set of gear a player wears on the field. In the AFL, this includes the guernsey, shorts, socks, and boots. Unlike the NRL, where tight-fitting jerseys are common, AFL guernseys are traditionally looser to allow for a full range of motion when marking and kicking. The evolution of the playing kit has seen a shift from cotton to high-performance polyester blends designed to wick sweat and reduce weight.Scarf
A staple of AFL fan culture, especially during the cold winter months of the season. AFL scarves are typically knitted in club colours and feature the club’s name or logo. They are a classic collectible, with vintage scarves from earlier decades often fetching high prices on the secondary market. For a Roosters fan, think of it like the scarves you see at Bondi in winter, but with a footy twist.Collectible
Any item that is produced in limited quantities or has historical significance to the game. This can range from signed guernseys and footballs to old ticket stubs from Grand Finals. In AFL culture, collectibles often include "footy cards" (trading cards) and "premiership pins." A modern trend is the "retro" collectible, where clubs release a throwback guernsey based on a design from an earlier era.Jumper
A casual, often interchangeable term for a guernsey. While "guernsey" is the formal term, "jumper" is widely used by fans and media. For example, a fan might say, "I love your old-school Fitzroy jumper." It’s similar to how we might call the Roosters’ strip a "jersey" or "jumper" in casual conversation.Footy Shorts
The shorts worn by AFL players are distinct from those in other sports. They are typically longer and looser than rugby shorts, often reaching just above the knee. Historically, they were made of cotton, but modern footy shorts are lightweight and durable, designed to withstand the rigors of tackling and sliding. They often feature a bold side stripe in the club’s colours.Socks
AFL socks are long, often stretching up to just below the knee. They are a key part of the playing kit and are usually striped in club colours. A well-known example is the red and white hooped socks of the Geelong Cats. In the history of AFL merchandise, socks have remained relatively unchanged in design, though materials have improved for better fit and breathability.Retro Jersey
A modern re-release of a classic guernsey design. AFL clubs frequently release retro jerseys to celebrate historical eras or anniversaries. For example, a club might release a replica of an earlier woolen guernsey in a modern polyester fabric. These are highly popular with collectors and fans who want a piece of history without hunting down a fragile original.Merchandise Range
The complete selection of branded goods a club sells. This includes the playing kit, training wear, casual apparel (hoodies, caps), and accessories (scarves, beanies). The AFL merchandise range has expanded since the 1990s, moving from a few basic items to a full lifestyle brand. Today, you can buy everything from baby onesies to premium leather jackets.Club Logo
The emblem or crest that represents an AFL club. The logo is the central branding element on all merchandise. Historically, logos were simple and hand-drawn (like the Collingwood magpie or the Richmond tiger). Modern logos are sleek and designed for digital and print use. For a Roosters fan, it’s similar to our iconic red, white, and blue crest.Licensed Product
Any merchandise that is officially approved by the AFL or a specific club. Licensed products are high-quality and feature official club logos, player names, and AFL branding. This is important for collectors, as unlicensed products are considered "bootlegs" and have little to no value in the history of collectibles.Player Number
The number on the back of a player’s guernsey. In the AFL, numbers are not tied to a specific position (like in soccer) but are assigned to the player. Lower numbers are often given to new draftees, while higher numbers are less common. Collectors often seek out guernseys with the numbers of legendary players, such as those worn by Brownlow Medalists.Premiership Merchandise
Special edition gear released after a club wins the AFL Grand Final. This includes "Premiership" guernseys with a gold patch, commemorative hats, scarves, and framed prints. This merchandise is produced immediately after the game and is a major collector’s item. The value often increases over time, especially if the club ends a long drought.Grand Final Guernsey
The specific guernsey worn by players in the AFL Grand Final. These are often slightly different from the regular season kit, sometimes featuring a special design, a gold AFL logo, or the Grand Final date. Only a handful of these guernseys exist (one for each player), making them extremely rare and valuable collectibles.Training Wear
Apparel designed for off-field use, including training tops, tracksuits, and shorts. Training wear often features the club logo but may not have the full playing kit design. It is typically more casual and comfortable than the playing guernsey. This is a major category in the modern merchandise range, as fans wear it to the gym or around Bondi.Cap
A baseball-style cap with the club logo. Caps are a simple, affordable way for fans to show support. They are a staple of AFL merchandise history, with vintage caps from earlier decades being highly sought after. They are also a common item given away at membership events.Beanie
A knitted hat worn in cold weather, often featuring the club’s colours and logo. Beanies are a winter essential for AFL fans and are a classic collectible. They are often sold in "packs" with a scarf, making a complete winter gear set.Footy Card
A trading card featuring a player’s image and statistics. Footy cards are a huge part of AFL collectibles history. Notable sets from earlier decades, such as the Scanlens series, remain popular among collectors. Modern cards are glossy and include autographs and jersey patches. They are similar to NRL trading cards, but the market is massive in the southern states.Signed Memorabilia
Items that have been autographed by a player or coach. This can include a signed guernsey, football, or photograph. Signed memorabilia is a high-value collectible, especially if the player is a legend of the game. Authenticity certificates are crucial for this category.Replica Guernsey
A fan version of the official playing guernsey. Replica guernseys are made from different materials than the player-issue versions but feature the same design and logo. They are the most common type of merchandise sold to fans. In the history of AFL merchandise, replicas have become much more detailed and accurate over recent decades.Player-Issue Guernsey
The exact same guernsey that a player wears on the field. These are not sold to the general public and are usually only available through club auctions or special sales. They are made from higher-quality, lightweight materials and often have extra features like reinforced stitching. They are the holy grail for serious collectors.Heritage Round Merchandise
Special edition gear released for the AFL’s "Heritage Round" (or "Sir Doug Nicholls Round"). This merchandise often features retro designs, indigenous artwork, or throwback logos. It celebrates the history and culture of the game. For a Roosters fan, it’s like our "Retro Round" jerseys that honor the Eastern Suburbs history.Summary
The history of AFL merchandise is a journey from simple, hand-stitched woolen guernseys to a multi-million dollar industry of high-tech gear and collectibles. Understanding the terminology—from "guernsey" to "player-issue"—helps you appreciate the depth of the culture. Whether you’re a collector hunting a vintage scarf or a fan looking for a modern replica, the story of AFL merch is a story of passion, identity, and tradition.
Interlinking suggestions:
- For more on club culture, check out our History & Culture section.
- Learn how the Roosters manage their own merchandise operations in Roosters Business Operations.
- See how the women’s game is growing with our coverage of the Roosters Women’s NRLW team.
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