Sherrin Blog
2018 AFLW GRAND FINAL PREVIEW
8 clubs, 7 weeks, 240 players, 28 games in total (let’s not count all those dreaded ACL injuries along the way) and here we are preparing for the second Official AFLW Grand Final between the Western Bulldogs and the Brisbane Lions this weekend.
SEASON ROUND UP
The daughters of the West have become the first ever team from their club to finish on top of the ladder at the end of a regular season (VFL or AFL football), winning all but 2 games this season after a loss in Round 3 against Adelaide and GWS in Round 6. It was a less than ideal start for their forward line losing #1 draft pick Izzy Huntington to a ruptured ACL in Round 2, followed by the captain Katie Brennan going down with ankle injury in Round 3. The Bulldogs however went on to show that they are not defined by any one player and were bolstered by the likes of Brooke Lochland who put on a show during round 4 kicking 7 goals, while the teams original priority selection & WBBL cricketer Emma Kearney has been an absolute stand out this year with many tipping her to take out the league Best & Fairest.
Image Credit: AFL Women's
Led once more by captain, All Australian Emma Zielke, the Lions are back in the Premiership race for the second year in a row, determined to prove the doubters wrong having come off an unbeaten season last year, only to lose to the Adelaide Crows in the Grand Final, by a margin of 6 points. The current season has played out a lot differently for the Brisbane Lions, losing 3 of their 7 matches, including two losses back to back against Melbourne & Collingwood, as well as a defeat at the hands of the Bulldogs in Round 3. While much was said about the loss of key forward Tayla Harris to Carlton, as part of the trade deal, the Lions scored impressive Blues midfielder Nat Exon – a move that would pay dividends for Exon and her new team, ironically debuting in the side against the Western Bulldogs.
Image Credit: AFL Women's
LAST TIME THEY PLAYED
Back in Round 2, these two teams faced off in the sweltering Queensland heat with the Bulldogs handing the Lions their first loss of the season (5.3.33 to 3.6.24). While neither team managed a goal in the first quarter, it was the Dogs who came out charging in the second quarter with 4 goals to the Lions’ 1 point. Although the Lions managed to stop the flow after the half time break and kept their opponents scoreless during the third quarter, the Bulldogs defence was just too much for them to make any sort of comeback on the scoreboard.
Image Credit: AFL Media
THE TEAMS
BULLDOGS – Captain Katie Brennan will not line up for the game this weekend after being issued a 2-match suspension for engaging in rough conduct after a tackle on Melbourne Demon player Harriet Cordner in last week’s match (despite appealing the ban decision). Forward Kristen McLeod has been named in the side with Brennan as an emergency leaving the door open for a possible last-minute legal fight in the Supreme Court to see her potentially play.
BRISBANE – The Lions have made no changes to their side and will continue with the same team list that took the field last week.
YOUNG GUNS
Both teams lining up on Saturday have their share of new, young players who have been impressive throughout the season and found themselves nominated over the past 7 weeks for the NAB Rising Star Award. At Brisbane, Sophie Conway and Tahlia Randall have really stepped up for the Lions, while the Bulldogs Libby Birch, Bonnie Toogood, Monique Conti, Aisling Utri & Naomi Ferres have all earned themselves nominations. With great leaders at both clubs, these rookies will no doubt relish the chance to cap off their first year in the AFLW with a premiership win.
Image Credit: Matt Turner/AFL Photos
WATCH OUT FOR...
Bulldog Emma Kearney leads the league in disposals followed closely behind by Brisbane’s Alexandra Anderson, while Brooke Lochland (WB) is the leading goal kicker for the season on 12, with Jess Wuetschner (BL) just behind her on 11 so expect these players to bring their A-game on Saturday. Also keep an eye out for last year’s B&F winner at the Lions Emily Bates through the midfield, along with Nat Exon, while Sabrina Frederick-Traub will no doubt be dangerous working out of the ruck/forward which she has done so well all year. Defenders Kate Lutkins and Leah Kaslar will be hoping to shut down their opposition from hitting the scoreboard as best they can with defenders Hannah Scott and Libby Birch looking to do the same for the Bulldogs. Vice-captain, onballer Ellie Blackburn has backed up last year’s season with yet another quality 7 weeks for the doggies and newcomer Monique Conti settled in to the AFLW with ease demonstrating her athleticism & ball skills each week.
Image Credit: AFL Photos
When – Saturday 24th March
Location – Ikon Park, 400 Royal Parade, Princes Hill Victoria
FREE ADMISSION FOR ALL
Gates open – 11:30am*
Game starts – 12:35pm
Watch – Tune in to Channel 7 for the live broadcast or watch via the Official AFLW App.
*Priority entry for AFLW Bulldogs/Lions club members from 11am – 11:30am
This blog has been written by Lana from Sideline Fever. Check out her other blog articles here.
SHERRIN CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
With Christmas just around the corner, the team at Sherrin have put together a gift guide to help you select the perfect present for footy fans of all ages this festive season. Simply click on the product name to start your shopping!
FOR THE LITTLE ONES…
AFL Team Softie
Animated with your favourite club mascots, the Softie Sherrin is perfect for a kick in the backyard or at the local oval. It is made from a soft padded material, so it is great for little hands.
Colour Me Sherrin
Featuring a range of Sherrin characters, the Colour Me Sherrin is a fun, soft, mess free footy that provides kids with endless hours of fun and creativity. Once they have created their masterpiece, just pop it in the washing machine to clean the canvas and start all over again. Colour Me Sherrin is suitable for all kids aged 4 years and older.
Image Credit: @mitchrobinson
For the Footy Fan…
AFL Team Song Football
They say practice makes perfect. So, when it comes to singing the words to your favourite footy club theme song after a victory on match day, this AFL Team Song Sherrin is the perfect training buddy.
AFL Team Glow Football
With Summer in full swing, the Glow in the Dark Sherrin allows footy fans to play football both during both the day and night! All graphics on the Sherrin will come to life and light up the backyard or the bedroom, with the unique glow print.
Personalised Sherrin
What better gift to give a footy fan than a Sherrin with their own name on it! Our personalised Sherrin is a keepsake that will last for years and years.
KB Sherrin
The ultimate top grade Australian rules football. The KB is made from top grade Australian leather and is one of our most premium Sherrins.
AFL Game Ball
Our AFL Gameball is the official gameball of the AFL. Perfect for all footy fans, the AFL Gameball is club specific, featuring team logos and ball sponsors, just like the Sherrin the clubs play with on game day!
Image Credit: @michaelcwilson
For the Future Star...
Sherrin Precision
Designed for players and coaches at all levels, the Sherrin Precision provides guidance on the correct spin path, as well as immediate feedback to the player. Kicking can be a challenging skill to learn, and with the spin line and precision point, the Sherrin Precision is the perfect gift for footy players at all levels.
Stocking Fillers…
Pump
A pump is the perfect accompaniment for a Sherrin football, helping to ensure that you never have a flat football again!
Sherrin Keyring
Take your Sherrin with you wherever you go! The Sherrin Keyring is great to attach to your keys or backpack. The soft keyring is a great stocking filler for footy fans of all ages.
Sherrin Ball Carry Bag
For a Sherrin collection that continues to grow, you can’t go past the Sherrin Ball Carry Bag to keep your Sherrin’s in one place! Featuring mesh panel sides, the carry bag ensures the air can circulate, allowing the balls to dry naturally.
Our Top 5 Grand Finals of All-Time! - 25th September 2017
Another season is nearly done and dusted, and what a year it has been! There have been a number of close, nail-biting games and as we near our favourite day of the year, the team here at Sherrin, thought we’d look back on our top 5 Grand Finals of all-time:
1. 2005: Sydney vs West Coast
Sydney (8.10.58) defeated West Coast (7.12.54)
Who can forget this thrilling game! Sydney managed to get the lead out to 20 points at halftime, however West Coast kept them goalless in the third quarter, allowing the Swans a slender 2-point lead at the final change. With seconds left on the clock, the ball was kicked into the Eagles forward 50, with the possibility to kick a goal to win the game on or after the siren. In the end, this wasn’t an option as Leo Barry took arguably the best mark of his career, with the famous words “Leo Barry you star” synonymous with this occasion. Sydney won by 4 points, in what was the closest Grand Final since the draw in 1977.
2. 1967: Richmond vs Geelong
Richmond (16.18.114) defeated Geelong (15.15.105)
Over 109,000 people packed the MCG in 1967 to see Richmond take on Geelong. It was Richmond’s first grand final since they lost in 1944 and Geelong’s first appearance since 1963. It was an incredibly high scoring match, with over 30 goals kicked between the two sides. Richmond went into the last change up by 2 points, and with a 4 goal to 2 last quarter, they managed to win their first flag in 24 years.
3. 2010: Collingwood vs St Kilda
Collingwood (9.14.68) drew with St Kilda (10.8.68)
Rematch: Collingwood (16.12.108) defeated St Kilda (7.10.52)
Over 100,000 fans packed the MCG on the last Saturday in September to see Collingwood take on St Kilda in the 2010 Grand Final. There were a number of pivotal moments in the game, which had a major impact on the final result, including Dale Thomas having an opportunity to score a goal late in the third quarter but missed with a wild snap, or the unfortunate bounce of the Sherrin for Milne, who was in front of the Saints goals, with seconds left in the game. The ball bounced through for a point, leveling scores, with the first drawn grand final since 1977, and only the third in VFL/AFL history. Everyone had to come back and do it all again the following week, with Collingwood dominating St Kilda, to be crowned the premiers for 2010, in the Grand Final Rematch.
4. 1970: Carlton vs Collingwood
Carlton (17.9.111) defeated Collingwood (14.17.101)
Having lost its past two Grand Finals by less than a kick, Collingwood started the game strong, keeping Carlton goalless in the opening quarter, and going in tohalf time with a 44-point lead. However, Carlton were not going away without a flight, kicking 14 goals to 4 in the second half, to win by 10 points, handing Collingwood its third Grand Final loss in a row, in what is considered one of the greatest grand finals of all time.
5. 2016: Sydney vs Western Bulldogs
Western Bulldogs (13.11.89) defeated Sydney (10.7.67)
Finishing on top of the ladder and featuring in their third grand final in five years, the Sydney Swans were somewhat used to the pressure associated with the last Saturday in September, while the Western Bulldogs were in their first grand final since 1961. The match was close throughout, with the Swans leading by 2 points at halftime, and the Bulldogs taking an 8-point lead at the final change. In the last quarter, the Bulldogs managed to further the lead to win their first premiership since 1954 and their second overall. One of the notable memories from the presentation after the game is Bulldogs coach, Luke Beverage inviting injured Bulldogs caption Bob Murphy onto the stage and presenting him with his medal.
Let’s hope that the game this Saturday is just as thrilling. Best of luck to Adelaide and Richmond, as they both go into battle to be crowned the premiers of 2017!
September is Finals Time! - 1 September 2017
As we say goodbye to Winter for another year, the start of Spring means one thing in Australia – footy finals! At Sherrin, September is our favourite time of year – the weather starts to get warmer, and we get to see the best eight teams from the season battle it out for the ultimate prize – to be crowned the 2017 Premiers. And if this unpredictable season is anything to go by, we are going to witness several nail-biting matches!
In the lead-up to the busiest time on the AFL calendar, the Sherrin Team have been busy producing the balls, which are going to feature in the first three weeks of the AFL Finals. The finals ball displays a panel with the wording “The Finals” and the AFL Finals logo. The image above shows this panel after the first stage of the printing process. Once dry, these panels go through the printing process for a second time, to complete the AFL logo, with the final colour.
The 2017 Toyota AFL Finals Series begins with the Elimination and Qualifying Finals. Week One of the Finals Series kicks off on Thursday 7th September, with Adelaide vs Greater Western Sydney at Adelaide Oval.
With the Western Bulldogs winning the Grand Final in 2016, after finishing the home and away season 7th on the ladder, it shows that anything can happen and we can’t wait!
If you would like to purchase one of these limited-edition AFL 2017 Finals Sherrin’s, please click here.
Sherrin Welcomes and Celebrates Multicultural Round - 20th July 2017
To commemorate Multicultural Round, Sherrin has produced unique footballs to celebrate diversity and multiculturalism within the AFL community.
There are many individuals who emanate from multicultural backgrounds, within the AFL community. In 2017, Multicultural players make up 15 per cent of the AFL player lists across the 18 AFL clubs, as well as 7.8 per cent across the 8 AFLW clubs. In addition to this, there are the many multicultural community members, fans and staff that are the backbone of each club.
The making of the specialised Multicultural Sherrin begins in early July, with the finished balls delivered to AFL House the week before the round.
Regardless of where you were born, football has the unique power to bring people from different communities and cultures together, and Sherrin is proud to be helping take our game to new audiences and welcome new fans.
This year, the Multicultural Round Sherrin’s, will feature the word “Welcome” in six different languages: Hindi, Italian, Arabic, Traditional Chinese, Greek and Spanish. The Multicultural Round begins on Friday 28th July with the specialised Sherrin’s featuring in all nine games. The marquee game of the round is on the Saturday afternoon when GWS take on Fremantle in Sydney.
If you would like to purchase one of these limited edition Sherrins, please click here
What football size is right for me? - 13th July 2017
Purchasing a Sherrin, whether it be for yourself or a gift for someone else can be a tough task, as there are a range of sizes to suit all needs. So, which one is best for you? Our team at Sherrin have explained the sizes to make it easier for you to choose your best Sherrin.
Size Mini – 20cmThis is a perfect gift for a footy fan, as they can sit it on their desk or kick it around the office. This mini football is ideal for both males and females of all ages and is a novelty version of the classic Australian Sherrin football.
Size Junior – 22cm
The junior football is ideal for our youngest fans. It comes in a range of colours and designs and is the perfect size for kids to easily handle and play with indoors or outside.
Size Youth – 25cm
The novelty youth size football includes our Glow in the Dark and Colour Me Sherrin ranges. It is suited to kids 4 years and older, however it is perfect for any footy fan! Be sure to show your support for your favourite team with our range of club specific footballs.
Size 1 – the official Auskick size. This Sherrin is perfect for both boys and girls between 5-8 years, helping them to learn the skills required, as they begin their AFL journey.
Suited to primary school kids aged 9-11 years, the size 2 Sherrin, is the next step up for little footy stars in the making. Our size 2 range covers game balls, training balls and club supporter footballs, so whether your child is playing the game or just a fan, there is something for everyone.
Size 3
The size 3 Sherrin is designed for youths aged 12-13 years, as they continue their AFL journey, through the footy ranks. Similarly to size 2, our size 3 range of Sherrins are available in game balls, training balls and supporter footballs, allowing you to both play football and support your favourite team.
Size 4
The size 4 Sherrin is the official size football of the AFLW and is suited to females 14 years and over, and males 14-15 years of age. Traditionally, an AFL Women’s gameball has been a size 4.5, however in 2017, the AFL changed the official size for Women’s footballs to size 4, for the inaugural season of the AFLW.
Size 5 is the official size for the AFL gameball, and is utilised by males 16 years and over. Our range of size 5. Sherrin’s includes official AFL gameballs, match balls, training footballs, skills range, as well as AFL team supporter footballs.
Sherrin Celebrates Indigenous Round - 22nd May 2017
One of the most significant rounds on the AFL calendar, Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round sees the football community formally celebrate and recognise Indigenous Players and culture within the AFL and around Australia.
This year, Sherrin and the AFL have joined forces with Gavin Wanganeen – AFL Hall of Famer, Brownlow medallist, and premiership player, to create the striking new design. It has taken over six months between Gavin beginning the initial drawings, and the finished Sherrin being produced in the factory. Reflecting on the collaboration, Naomi Maclean, Marketing Manager at Sherrin says, “We’re thrilled to be unveiling a new design created by Indigenous AFL Legend Gavin Wanganeen. It has been a pleasure collaborating with him on this unique design and we can’t wait to see it on the field.”
Gavin’s inspiration behind the artwork design is quite fascinating, "There are 18 circles over the ball, with each circle representing one of the 18 clubs in the AFL competition. Even though Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians make up approximately 3% of the population in Australia, they make up close to 11% of players in the men’s League. In 2017, every AFL club will have Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander players on their list and so these circles are significant, as they represent an opportunity for current and future Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander generations. As a 300-game player, this is particularly personal to me, as I was once one of those kids, chasing my dream to play in the Australian Football League."
This year marks the 50th anniversary since the landmark decisions of the 1967 referendum. To reflect the importance of this occasion for the Australian community, the numbers ‘67’ are featured on a panel of the ball.
The Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round commences on Thursday night at Simmonds Stadium, with Geelong taking on Port Adelaide, before the Dreamtime at the ‘G blockbuster of Richmond and Essendon on Saturday night.
To see the full range click here
ANZAC Day Commemorative Sherrin - 24th April 2017
ANZAC Day is a special day for all Australians. This year it is the 102nd Anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli in 1915. The day is a time for us to reflect and remember all the Australian and New Zealand men and women who served or are currently serving and those who died in war and on operational service.
The ANZAC Day AFL game began in 1995 between Collingwood and Essendon, with both teams playing on this day every year since. The game plays a symbolic role on ANZAC Day, with a ceremony taking place before the match.
The ANZAC ball is unique as it is made in the week leading up to the game, right here in Australia, at the Sherrin Factory located in Scoresby, Victoria. This year, the commemorative ball is yellow in colour, due to the late afternoon timing of the match. It features the ANZAC logo, as a tribute to those who have served Australia, alongside the logos of the competing teams – Essendon and Collingwood. The specially designed football is uniquely produced for the game only and is not available for sale. Sherrin is proud to be a part of this special day.
Given the ANZAC Day game is such a landmark event, the Sherrin Team thought we would share how the ball gets made. There are numerous steps involved with the making of the ANZAC football. Below is a brief outline of some of the steps:
1. Once the leather panels are cut out, each individual panel has one colour printed on it at a time. Once dry, the next colour is printed on top, with this process repeated until the graphics are complete.
2. Four panels are sewn together using a sewing machine. It is during this stage that it begins to look like a football
3. The footballs have been turned out and are ready to have the bladder inserted.
4. The footballs now all have bladders inside and the laces are ready to be sealed.
5. The finished product! The footballs will now be packaged and delivered to AFL House ready for the big game on Tuesday.
