Author(s): Leigh Meyrick

Sport & Exercise

Celebrating one of AFL's longest-standing and most iconic traditions Have you ever wondered what makes Australian Rules Football so unique? Sure, the rules are unmistakably different to other sports, but it's the bizarre traditions and idiosyncrasies that make the game uniquely ours. One of those quirks is the team banner - an essential element of the pre-match build-up that has connected fans with their heroes for more than 80 years. The humble banner, or run-through as it's known by the purists, has become an iconic symbol of our love for the game. It's why cheer squads around the country dedicate countless hours each and every week to delicately craft their messages on crepe. This painstaking process culminates in a fleeting moment of glory as the teams run onto the ground before the banner is torn (quite literally) to shreds. From the funny to the offensive, the emotional to the political, banners come in all shapes and sizes and have evolved considerably, reflecting not only a changing cultural landscape but a changing game itself. Footy Banners: A Complete Run-Through is a collection of historical images, stories and unforgettable moments that pay homage to one of our game's longest-lasting rituals.