Club members have voted to change the football jumper to a royal blue base with a white V for the 2019 season. 

This will replace the royal blue and white stripes.

The 2019 jumper design matches the one worn by the club until the end of the 1986 season, with the North Melbourne stripes coming in the following year.

Robbie O’Connor, the club’s current under 18s coach and 1990 senior premiership player, has welcomed the change.

O’Connor played over 200 games for Russells Creek, wearing both jumper designs with distinction.

“I think it’s a great idea to change back to the old design,” O’Connor said.

“The club has a new coach and has recruited well for next season so the change of jumper will be part of refreshing things.”

Russells Creek joint president Michael Jongebloed said the change of jumper had been on the table for a number of years.

He said the jumper was changed at the end of 1986 because costs of purchasing country jumpers with original designs was more expensive than AFL ones.

He said the Warrnambool and District Football Netball League has approved the change of jumper, as have Russells Creek club members.

“Everyone is pretty excited about it,” Jongebloed said.

“The players are really keen for it, they see the old photos on the wall and know it is part of the club’s heritage.”