The AFL is tribal, how do you support your club and tribe?

The culture of supporting an AFL club is a deep-seated and often multi-generational tradition in Australia. It's not just about watching a game, it's about being part of a "tribe" with a shared history, passion, and identity. This tribalism is what makes the AFL so unique and engaging for its supporters.

How to Support Your Club and Tribe

Supporting your club goes beyond just attending games. Here are some of the key ways fans show their allegiance:

Becoming a Member: This is one of the most significant ways to show support. Membership provides a direct financial contribution to the club and often comes with benefits like access to games, a member pack with merchandise, and voting rights in club matters. It solidifies your place within the club's "family."

Attending Games: Nothing beats being at the stadium to cheer on your team. Fans don their club colours, join in with the cheer squads, and sing the club song with gusto after a win. The atmosphere at a live game is a core part of the experience.

Wearing the Colours: This is a fundamental way of displaying your loyalty. Supporters wear their team's guernsey (the official playing jumper), scarf, beanie, and other apparel. This not only shows who you barrack for but also helps create a sea of colour in the stands.

Socializing with Fellow Fans: AFL fandom is a communal experience. Fans often watch games at the pub or at home with friends and family. This shared passion creates a strong sense of community and belonging, where you can celebrate wins and commiserate losses together.

Following the Club's Journey: True supporters stay informed about their club year-round, not just on game day. This includes following news on player trades, the draft, pre-season training, and team analysis.

Volunteering: At the grassroots and community level, volunteering is a massive part of the football ecosystem. From helping out at junior clubs to assisting with club events, it's a way for fans to directly contribute to the sport's health and their club's success.

Popular AFL Merchandise

Merchandise is a crucial part of supporting an AFL club and proudly displaying your tribal colours. The most popular items are those that can be worn on game day or in everyday life.

Guernseys: The official playing jumper is the most iconic and sought-after piece of merchandise. Fans wear a replica of the one their heroes wear on the field.

Scarves and Beanies: These are essential, especially for attending games during the colder months of the footy season (March to September). They are simple, classic ways to show your team's colours.

Polo Shirts and Jackets: For a more casual look, team-branded polo shirts, hoodies, and jackets are very popular. They allow fans to show their support in settings beyond the game.

Footballs: The Sherrin football, the official ball of the AFL, is a popular item. Fans can buy one with their team's emblem, or even a commemorative one to celebrate a premiership victory.

Hats and Caps: Branded are a common sight, offering a simple way to show allegiance on a daily basis.

Beyond these items, a wide range of merchandise is available, from socks and shorts to commemorative items and even novelty gear. The market for AFL merchandise is extensive, reflecting the deep connection and passion that fans have for their clubs.

At newsXpress Sunbury and on our web store, we have a large range of AFL products available and try to include some of the more unique merchandise for your club. From playing cards, bobble heads and magnets to bath robes and other diverse products, we aim to offer interesting AFL merchandise that will make great gifts for the keen supporter.

Visit https://brenita.com.au/collections/gifting-1/AFL to see our current range and keep in touch with new products as we introduce them.

If you have a dog in the fight for the finals series, we wish you good luck and success.