The Ultimate Guide to Milestone Footy Banners: History, Culture & Future
What Is a Footy Banner?
Footy banners, also known as run through banners, are a cherished tradition in Australian Rules Football (AFL). These vibrant, handcrafted displays are more than just pre-game decorations; they are symbols of team spirit, community pride, and fan creativity. This guide explores the origins, evolution, and cultural significance of footy banners, highlighting their role in the sport and their enduring legacy.
A footy banner is a large, colourful display banner traditionally made primarily of crepe paper and tape, constructed by a football team's cheer squad or footy fans. Held up by poles, the banner features messages celebrating players, milestones, or upcoming matches. As the team enters the field, players run through the banner, tearing it apart—a moment that ignites excitement among fans and sets the tone for the game.
These days the banners are often printed like the banner photo displayed here, with the team logo and slogan or message displayed on it.
Origins: From Streamers to Stadium Icons
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1930s Beginnings: The tradition traces back to the 1930s, with Collingwood supporters creating a tapestry of streamers for the 1939 VFL Grand Final. Melbourne Cricket Ground
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Evolution of the "Race": Initially, banners were referred to as "the race," named after the tunnel players used to enter the field. Fans would decorate this area, leading to the development of the run-through banner. Simon & Schuster AU
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Cheer Squad & Footy Fan Involvement: Over time, dedicated cheer squads and fans took over the creation of banners, turning them into elaborate displays of support and artistry. Google Books
Traditional Construction & Materials
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Materials Used:
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Crepe paper for the main body.
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Sticky tape to hold the structure together.
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Two long poles to hoist the banner. AFL Banners Wikipedia Page
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Design Techniques:
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Taping parallel lines every six inches or creating 1-foot square panels for stability.
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Using thicker tape at the top and thinner tape at the bottom to ensure easy break-through.
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Some AFL teams, like Carlton, have used a permanent cloth upper half, reusing it weekly with new messages. Wikipedia
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Cultural Significance
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Fan Engagement: Football Banners serve as a direct line of communication between fans and players, often featuring messages that celebrate achievements or motivate the team. The Guardian
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Community Identity: The creation of banners fosters a sense of community among fans, with cheer squads dedicating hours to design and assemble them. Google Books
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Tradition and Ritual: Running through the banner is a ritual that signifies the start of the game, embodying the spirit and unity of the team and its supporters. Wikipedia
Modern Innovations & Trends
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Fabric Banners: In 2014, some AFL Football teams began using full fabric curtains instead of crepe paper, allowing for reuse and cost savings. Wikipedia
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Digital Integration: With advancements in technology, some banners now incorporate LED lights or digital screens to enhance visual impact.
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Themed Messages: Banners have evolved to include humorous, political, or emotional messages, reflecting broader societal themes and engaging a wider audience. Simon & Schuster AU
The Future of Footy Banners
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Sustainability: As environmental concerns grow, there's a push towards using recyclable materials and reducing waste in banner production. Printed Banners do not use Plastic Tape or Glue.
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Inclusivity: Modern banners increasingly celebrate diversity and promote inclusive messages, aligning with the evolving values of the AFL community.
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Digital Platforms: Social media platforms amplify the reach of footy banners, allowing fans worldwide to engage with and appreciate the creativity and humour involved.
Further Reading
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For an in-depth exploration of footy banners, their history, and memorable moments, consider reading:
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Footy Banners: A Complete Run-Through by Leigh Meyrick and Matthew Hagias. This book offers a comprehensive look at the tradition, featuring historical images and stories that pay homage to one of the game's longest-lasting rituals. Footy Banners Book Link
Footy banners remain a vibrant and integral part of Australian Rules Football, symbolizing the passion, creativity, and unity of the sport's community. As the game continues to evolve, so too will the traditions that make it unique, ensuring that the run-through banner remains a cherished spectacle for generations to come.