I overheard a discussion on this the other day, so I thought I’d better remind folks of the proper rules, courtesy of The Mongrel Punter:

1. If your team has been relocated or merged or both (but remember, your team is doing so under duress and in your club’s hour of need you should stay true).
2. If you move interstate (it is acceptable after time to embrace a local team but be careful if you head west).
3. If you have played more than eight games for a club (seven or less games means you have to stick with your original team).
4. If you have a son or relative who plays for a club (you are also allowed to change if that relative changes club).
5. If you follow your parents’ club, only to realise you have no affection for it, it is permissible to change, if you are 15-years-old or under.
6. The Richmond clause (given the loyalty Richmond has shown to its greats, including Hafey, Bartlett, Raines, Wood and Cloke, there is unconditional understanding for fans who want out. In fact, there’s a hotline and a support group you can join, regardless of age or games played; 400-game veterans welcomed).

Rules for Changing Footy Teams

Published: Friday, 14th November 2008 at 1:54 PM