How to Spot Authentic AFL Merchandise: A Buyer’s Checklist

Buying AFL merchandise can be tricky, especially with counterfeit products saturating the market. Many fans unknowingly purchase fake items, leading to disappointment due to low-quality gear and frustration over wasted money. 

Counterfeit merchandise lacks durability and fails to authentically showcase your team’s pride. Worse still, supporting unlicensed sellers undermines the AFL community and its players, affecting the league’s sustainability. This guide will help you confidently identify authentic AFL merchandise. 

By following our practical checklist, you can ensure every purchase is genuine, high-quality, and supports the teams you love.

Why Authentic AFL Merchandise Matters

Authentic AFL merchandise is made to last. It’s made from quality materials and features precise designs. Every purchase supports your favourite team and the league. Fake items may look similar, but they often fall apart quickly. They don’t have the same level of detail or comfort. Buying official gear helps fund players, events, and programs. It also ensures you represent your team with pride. Genuine merchandise has logos, tags, and holograms you can trust. Stick to official retailers to avoid fakes and get the best value.

Checklist to Spot Authentic AFL Merchandise

Use this checklist to avoid fake AFL gear.

  1. Look for official logos.
    Check for the AFL logo and team branding. They should be clear, not blurry.
  2. Check for hologram stickers.
    Genuine items have holograms that are hard to copy.
  3. Inspect the tags.
    Tags should list the official AFL license. They must include care instructions and product details.
  4. Examine the stitching.
    Authentic merchandise has clean, even stitching. Fakes often have loose threads or poor-quality seams.

Quality always shows.

  1. Buy from trusted sellers.
    Shop at the AFL store or licensed retailers like StateSideSports. Avoid unknown websites or random sellers on social media.
  2. Watch out for deals that are too good to be true.
    Very low prices can be a red flag. Genuine AFL gear costs more due to its high-quality.
  3. Compare the design.
    Go to the AFL or team website. Make sure the design matches what they sell.

Following this checklist ensures you get the real deal. Authentic gear lasts longer, looks better, and supports your team. Stick to official stores to shop with confidence.

Common Pitfalls When Buying AFL Merchandise

Many people make mistakes when buying AFL gear. The most common is trusting unknown sellers. Random websites or social media ads often sell fakes. These items look real but are low quality and don’t last.

Another mistake is skipping the tags and holograms. If these are missing, the item is likely fake. Always check for official logos and details.

Don’t fall for overly cheap prices. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Lower prices are not always better.

Buying from unlicensed stores is another risk. These shops don’t guarantee authentic products. You might end up wasting money.

Lastly, remember to check reviews. Happy customers leave good feedback, while fake sellers often have poor reviews or none at all.

Avoid these mistakes to ensure you get authentic, high-quality AFL merchandise. It’s worth the effort.

Shop Authentic AFL Merchandise Today

Buying authentic AFL merchandise is simple when you know what to look for. Always check for official logos, hologram stickers, and proper tags. Avoid deals that seem too good to be true and stick to trusted retailers. Genuine AFL gear ensures durable quality and supports your favourite teams and players.

Counterfeit items might look tempting, but they lack the craftsmanship and pride of the real thing. Plus, fake merchandise doesn’t contribute to the league or its community. By choosing authentic products, you support the game you love.

Ready to get started? Don’t risk buying fake gear. For guaranteed authentic AFL merchandise, visit the StateSide Sport’s official store or other trusted retailers. Shop smart, represent your team with pride, and enjoy high-quality gear that lasts.