A potential legal dispute is brewing. The protagonists of this unfolding drama are former AFL brothers, Shane and Troy Bond, and their previous clubs, Adelaide and Port Adelaide. The crux of the matter lies in the unauthorised use of an iconic image from a Showdown match, an issue the Bond brothers had hoped to resolve privately.
The image in question, a poignant snapshot from the 1997 Showdown Two, captures a touching moment between the brothers following the Crows’ seven-point victory. This image has been used on the Showdown Shield, Showdown Medal, and various promotional materials since 2018, all without the brothers’ consent. The Bond brothers argue that this usage implies a commercial relationship with the clubs and Variety SA, the children’s charity sponsoring the derby match-ups.
Despite their deep respect for the AFL and their former clubs, the Bond brothers felt compelled to voice their concerns. Their lawyer, Greg Griffin, revealed that the brothers had requested meetings with the Power and the Crows to discuss the matter. However, the clubs only agreed to these meetings after the issue became public. Now, both clubs have expressed readiness to meet with the brothers next week, coinciding with the 54th edition of the Showdown rivalry.
The crux of the issue lies in the principle of respect and acknowledgement for past players. The Bond brothers believe that the clubs should have sought their consent before commercialising the Showdown images. This dispute is not about financial gain but about upholding the respect that past players are entitled to.
Interestingly, when the Showdown Shield was introduced in 2018 with their images embedded, the Bond brothers expressed pride in the concept. Shane Bond described it as a “fantastic honour” and “very humbling”, while Troy Bond stated that the image “kind of puts footy in perspective”.
As this saga unfolds, it’s crucial to remember the essence of the game and the respect it commands. The Bond brothers’ dispute is not with the charity Variety SA, which views the shield as a key pillar in its partnership with the football clubs. Instead, it’s a plea for recognition and respect, a sentiment that resonates with many past and present players. As the AFL community awaits the outcome of this dispute, the hope is for a resolution that is fair to all parties involved.
