So you’ve got a stack of old footy jumpers in the garage, a signed Sherrin gathering dust on a shelf, or maybe you’ve just caught the collecting bug after seeing a mate’s framed 1990s Hawthorn guernsey. Whatever your starting point, you’re in the right place. AFL memorabilia collecting is a brilliant way to connect with the game we love—whether you’re a grassroots player, a die-hard fan, a coach, or a parent who wants to preserve a bit of footy history for the kids.

This guide is your practical checklist for getting started, avoiding common pitfalls, and building a collection that means something. We’ll keep it real, keep it Aussie, and keep it fun. Let’s dive in.

What You’ll Achieve

By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to start or improve your AFL memorabilia collection. You’ll have a step-by-step process to identify genuine items, store them properly, and avoid wasting money on fakes or overpriced duds. Whether you’re after signed jumpers, vintage programs, or rare team photos, this checklist will save you time, cash, and heartache.

Prerequisites / What You Need

Before you start, gather a few basics:

A clear focus: What era, team, or player are you into? Don’t try to collect everything at once.
A budget: Even a small one works. Know what you’re willing to spend per item.
Storage space: A clean, dry area away from direct sunlight. Think spare room, garage shelf (not damp), or a display cabinet.
Basic research tools: Internet access for checking prices, forums, and authentication guides.
Patience: Good stuff takes time to find. Don’t rush.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Define Your Niche

AFL memorabilia is massive. You could collect signed footies, match-worn jumpers, ticket stubs from grand finals, or even old club membership pins. Pick one area to start.

Examples:

Player-specific: All things from your favourite star—Steve Johnson, Dustin Martin, or a club legend.
Era-specific: 1980s VFL jumpers, 1990s AFL programs, or 2000s grand final DVDs.
Team-specific: Everything from one club—say, Geelong Cats or Collingwood Magpies.
Event-specific: Grand final memorabilia, State of Origin items, or international series stuff.

Why it matters: A focused collection is easier to build, more valuable in the long run, and way more satisfying than a random pile of stuff.

Step 2: Learn to Spot Fakes

This is the big one. Fakes are everywhere, especially online. Here’s how to protect yourself:

Check the signature: Compare it to known authentic examples. Player signatures change over time—a 1990s Wayne Carey autograph looks different to a 2020s one.
Look for holograms: Many official AFL items have a hologram sticker from the AFL or a licensed memorabilia company (e.g., AFL Memorabilia, Cricketing greats, but in footy, think “AFL Authenticated”).
Examine the item itself: Match-worn jumpers have specific tags, stitching, and wear patterns. A “game-worn” guernsey that looks brand new? Red flag.
Ask for provenance: A certificate of authenticity (COA) from a reputable source is gold. But beware—fakes often come with fake COAs. Research the issuer.

Pro tip: Join AFL collecting Facebook groups or forums. Veteran collectors love sharing tips on spotting fakes.

Step 3: Start Small and Local

You don’t need to drop thousands on a signed 1990s Brownlow Medal winner’s jumper straight away. Start with affordable items:

Vintage programs: Old match day programs from the 1970s–1990s can be found at op shops, garage sales, or online for under $20.
Club merchandise: Older club scarves, beanies, or polo shirts are often cheap and easy to find.
Signed photos: Many current and former players sell signed prints through official club stores or charity auctions.
Local footy stuff: Don’t overlook grassroots. A signed jumper from your local club’s premiership year can be a treasure.

Why local matters: You can often verify items in person, meet sellers, and build relationships. Plus, it supports the community.

Step 4: Store and Display Properly

Nothing ruins a collection faster than poor storage. Sunlight fades signatures, moisture causes mould, and heat warps items.

Jumpers and clothing: Store in acid-free garment bags or archival boxes. Avoid plastic dry-cleaning bags—they trap moisture.
Footies (Sherrins): Keep them in a cool, dry place. If signed, use a display case with UV-protective glass. Never let them sit in direct sunlight.
Paper items (programs, tickets, photos): Use acid-free sleeves or albums. Handle with clean hands or cotton gloves.
Framed items: Use UV-protective glass and acid-free matting. Cheap frames can damage over time.

Pro tip: Rotate displayed items every few months to reduce light exposure.

Step 5: Build Your Network

Collecting is more fun with mates. Connect with other enthusiasts:

Online forums: BigFooty has a memorabilia section. Facebook groups like “AFL Memorabilia Buy/Sell/Swap” are active.
Local card shows: Trading card events often have memorabilia stalls. Check your local footy club’s social media.
Club events: Many AFL clubs hold auctions, trivia nights, or signing sessions. Attend these to buy authenticated items and meet players.
Op shops and garage sales: You’d be amazed what people donate. I once found a signed 1995 North Melbourne jumper at a Salvos for $15.

Why it helps: You’ll hear about deals before they hit the public, get advice on authenticity, and maybe even trade items.

Step 6: Know the Market Value

Prices vary wildly. A signed 2000s Essendon jumper might be worth $100–$300, while a rare 1960s VFL grand final program could fetch $500+. Do your homework:

Check sold prices on eBay: Filter by “sold items” to see what people actually paid.
Use price guides: Some dedicated AFL memorabilia websites have rough guides. But treat them as estimates.
Consider condition: A creased program is worth less than a mint one. A faded signature lowers value.
Rarity matters: Items from premiership years, retired legends, or limited releases (e.g., Indigenous round jumpers) are usually worth more.

Pro tip: Don’t overpay just because you’re excited. Patience pays off.

Step 7: Document Your Collection

As your collection grows, keep a record. This helps with insurance, selling later, or just remembering where you got each piece.

Create a spreadsheet: Include item description, date acquired, price paid, seller, and condition notes.
Take photos: High-res images of each item, including any COAs or holograms.
Store receipts: Digital scans are fine. Keep them in a folder on your phone or cloud.

Why it matters: If your house floods or gets broken into, you’ll have proof for insurance. Also, it’s satisfying to look back on your journey.

Pro Tips / Common Mistakes

Pro Tips

Buy what you love: The best collection is one that brings you joy. Don’t chase trends.
Attend memorabilia fairs: Events like the AFL Memorabilia and Trading Card Show (held in Melbourne usually) are goldmines.
Look for player-signed items from official auctions: Many AFL clubs auction signed jumpers after Indigenous Round or Pride Round. These are authenticated and often cheaper than eBay.
Be polite and patient: When dealing with sellers, especially at garage sales, a friendly chat can lead to a discount or a tip about future finds.

Common Mistakes

Buying without research: That “signed 1990s Gary Ablett Sr. jumper” might be a fake. Always verify.
Storing in direct sunlight: I’ve seen a pristine 1980s VFL program turn yellow in a month because it was on a sunny windowsill.
Overpaying for modern items: Signed 2023 jumpers are cool, but they’re not rare yet. Wait a few years.
Ignoring condition: A ripped jumper or a creased photo loses value fast. Only buy items in good shape unless it’s extremely rare.
Not insuring your collection: If you’ve spent over $500, consider adding it to your home contents insurance. Some policies cover collectibles.

Checklist Summary

Here’s your quick reference list. Tick off each step as you go:

Define your niche (era, team, player, or event)
Learn to spot fakes (signature comparison, holograms, COA)
Start small and local (programs, club merch, signed photos)
Store items properly (UV protection, acid-free materials, dry area)
Build your network (forums, clubs, op shops, events)
Research market value (sold prices, condition, rarity)
Document your collection (spreadsheet, photos, receipts)

AFL memorabilia collecting is a brilliant way to celebrate the game, connect with its history, and even make a few mates along the way. Whether you’re chasing a signed Patrick Dangerfield guernsey or a 1990s West Coast Eagles cap, the joy is in the hunt and the story behind each piece.

Remember: start small, buy smart, and store well. Your collection will grow naturally, and before you know it, you’ll have a mini museum of footy history that’s uniquely yours.

Now get out there—check those op shops, join that Facebook group, and maybe even dig through your own garage. You never know what treasure’s hiding in plain sight.

Happy collecting, footy fans.

Looking for more footy culture content? Check out our articles on AFL in the Media and AFL Injury Management for practical tips on the game we love. And don’t forget to explore our History & Culture hub for more deep dives into Australian rules football’s rich past.

AFL Memorabilia and Collecting: A Guide for Enthusiasts