AFL logo change: Collingwood legend Tony Shaw calls plans an 'absolute joke'

Ben Madden

AFL logo change: Collingwood legend Tony Shaw calls plans an 'absolute joke' image
Collingwood legend Tony Shaw says the AFL has bigger issues to deal with than changing their logo.

A report from the Herald Sun says the AFL is set to invest a six-figure sum into a new logo as they look to refresh it.



But Shaw doesn't see the need, telling Macquarie Sports Radio the money would be better spent looking after grassroots clubs.

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“What a joke, what a deadset joke," Shaw said.

“What’s wrong with the AFL – I have been on this for years. In Victoria, there are country and metro clubs who are folding week in, week out because they haven't got money.

“Now they're saying the (number of participants) are going through the roof but that’s on the back of AFLW.

"You see write ups every week from Victorian clubs and leagues saying 'we need support form the AFL'.

"Now, to spend $100,000 (on a new logo) - I'll draw up one, I'll get on the computer and I'll draw up a nice AFL logo and they can pay me $300.

"Matter of fact, my grandson will probably do better at doing a logo than half these idiots they've got involved in the AFL at different levels."

Response on social media hasn't been kind, either, with many pointing out where the six-figure sum could be better invested.



The AFL last updated their logo in 1999, and given the news, some have made the tongue-in-cheek suggestion that a return to the old logo could be on the cards.

The logo was changed to coincide with the new millenium, with rivals Carlton and Collingwood playing in a pre-season match known as the 'Millennium Match' on New Year's Eve 1999.




The AFL's thinking behind the potential logo change is that given the growth of the AFL over the last two decades, the logo should also be moving with the times.

One of the main options being reportedly considered is the ability to add flexibility to the logo, so that the colours can be changed depending on the circumstances.

The AFL now has additional competitions such as AFLW and AFLX, with a potential new logo able to be designed with these modern additions in mind.

The NRL introduced a new logo this season, after a two-year process including engaging stakeholders, fans, clubs and the media.

Ben Madden