29th May, 2013

To the Board of the Brisbane Lions 

I’ll be honest: I have come to quite like the so-called “paddlepop” lion face. While my first impression was one of horror that a change should even be suggested to a logo that had quickly become symbolic of pride and success, it wasn’t long before I recognised the steely glare in the caricature’s eyes, the suggestion of determination and strength. As a symbol of the resolve of the club, the lion head fits. It jumps out at me as the logo on television broadcasts, I like it as the icon on my web browser, and it looks great on club letterhead. No doubt it suits merchandising; an easily recognisable representation of our mighty club.

But it does not fit on the guernsey.

It’s a cartoon image. A drawing. No other club in the AFL has a cartoon on their guernsey. None would want to. Sure, the Crows and the Hawks have toyed with the idea on their pre-season garb, but these have been largely laughed off as a novelty money-grab. Why are we persisting with it? 

Please, use the discretionary powers that brought the “paddlepop” onto the guernsey in the first place to change it back. Better yet, open the design up to the Brisbane Lions’ loyal members. Give us two options: maintain the status quo, or revert to the 1997-2008 guernsey. I implore you to have a members vote at the end of this season in readiness for 2014.

Yours sincerely,

Dan, Nat, Molly, Lauren & Angus F

Member nos. #######, #######, #######, ####### & #######