'It wasn’t ideal': teams barely distinguishable after AFLW jumper clash

Concerns over a jumper clash had been raised before St Kilda and Adelaide ran out wearing barely-distinguishable guernseys during the AFLW’s Indigenous round at the weekend. Adelaide coach Matthew Clarke revealed his club raised concerns about the Saints’ jumpers with the AFL before his side romped to a 53-point win at Norwood Oval.

As a result of a late fixture change due to Covid-19 border restrictions, the only discernible difference in colour between the two predominantly white kits were St Kilda’s black shorts, prompting many fans to take to social media to express dismay.

Clarke admitted he had difficulty distinguishing between the shirts but there was little doubt about the difference in class between the sides. The high-flying Crows held St Kilda scoreless until late in the third term on their way to a 8.13 (61) to 1.2 (8) win – their first victory at their home ground since round two last season.

“The challenge there was with Indigenous round, both teams were really keen to acknowledge and celebrate the round with their guernseys,” Clarke said. “Initially we were slated to play Fremantle in that game and clearly there wasn’t going to be a clash there.

“We did raise it during the week. We saw the jumper and raised it with the AFL and St Kilda but ultimately they decided to proceed and I guess we’ll leave it at that.

“It improved as the game wore on. It was certainly a clash when I looked out from the side, it was difficult to tell the jumpers apart. It wasn’t ideal, but it was the same for both teams.”

The AFL has been contacted for comment.

Jumper issues aside, Clarke was thrilled with the performance that improved his side’s win-loss record to 4-1. Ebony Marinoff (23 possessions and nine tackles) and Erin Phillips (21 disposals and a goal) were the standouts for the Crows, who had winners across every line.

“I thought the cohesion between our lines today was probably as well as we’ve done it across this season,” Clarke said. “Overall, we feel like we’re in reasonable shape.”

source: theguardian.com