It’s footy fashion for a cause.
This Friday, September 5, is Jersey Day, the annual event in which people in schools and workplaces across Australia don their true colours and begin the conversation about the importance of becoming an organ and tissue donor.
Jersey day was inspired by 13-year-old Nathan Gremmo, who gave the gift of life in 2015 when he became an organ donor.
Nathan’s family chose to give the gift of life to others to honour his generous personality.
This amazing gift saved the lives of six people – including five young adults and a baby. Hours prior to his accident, Nathan wrote on his Instagram account, “You only live once, but if you do it right once is enough”.
In a week where footy fans across the country wear a footy jersey to work or school, 94ddz.com takes a look back at five unique jerseys of yesteryear.
Wore Stories
Balmain Tigers 1988-89
Even the memories (read: nightmares) of two consecutive grand final losses can’t stop this shirt from being the most popular strip among the Leichhardt faithful. Balmain had been wearing black and gold chevrons since the 1950s, but this specific edition of the shirt, bearing the name of Dutch electrical giant Philips, has continued to thrill the fans for over three decades. Perhaps it can be attributed to some of the famous names who wore it, including Wayne ‘Junior’ Pearce, Garry Jack, Steve ‘Blocker' Roach, Paul Sironen and Benny Elias.
Newtown Jets 1981-82
Perennial battlers Newtown only had one sponsored strip during their 75 years in the top grade and it featured the name of clothing manufacturer Paramount Shirts, who jumped on board midway through the Jets’ 1981 Grand Final season. Worn by cult heroes like Tommy Raudonikis, Ken Wilson, Graeme O’Grady and Phil ‘What’s-a-packet-a' Sigsworth, the reissue of this jersey continues to be the garment of choice for Bluebags fans, both young and old.
Canberra Raiders 1994
Ever wondered where the expression, “Up the Milk” came from? Well, wonder no longer, because it was this shirt, worn during Canberra’s third (and so far, last) Grand Final win that inspired the catchphrase. From the iconic Canberra Milk sponsorship to the snazzy blue collar – everything on this jersey works!
Eastern Suburbs Roosters Summer Strip 1982
Introduced to combat the effects of the late summer heat, this stylish white jumper only appeared in the Roosters’ opening three games of the 1982 premiership season against Newtown, Illawarra and Cronulla. This makes the originals as rare as hen’s teeth (sorry, couldn’t resist). With its plain design and vibrant red shorts, this shirt is one of the game’s forgotten gems, and while it has been re-released as a retro in recent times, nothing quite matches the majesty of the original.
Illawarra Steelers 1986-1994
While jersey hipsters prefer the Kaiser Stuhl-sponsored strips, there is no denying that the BHP version is more iconic. Featuring a vibrant shade of scarlet, and bold white stripes across the sleeves, this is simply one of the most attractive jerseys in the game's history. Memorable moments in this classic Steelers shirt include: the club’s gallant loss to Brisbane in the 1989 Panasonic Cup Final and their first foray into finals football in 1992. Definitely one to wear when you’re trying to impress the good folk from the South Coast of NSW.
- Click for information on organ donation.
