Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd says he’d be “very disappointed” if his former club changed its logo amid reports it’s considering a rebrand.
Both the Herald Sun and SEN report Essendon is considering replacing the Bomber aircraft on its logo, with a research project throughout the season seeking to determine how the club’s members and stakeholders view the team.
According to the Herald Sun, Essendon is considering whether its fans believe the wartime aircraft logo is the best representation of the famous Victorian cub.
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There’s no indication that the Bombers would change their nickname, which was first adopted in 1940.
Speaking on Channel 9’s Footy Classified, Lloyd strongly opposed the possibility of ditching the Bomber from the emblem.
“I’d be very disappointed if the Bomber was gone,” he said.
“Have we got to that point, have we? Such a great logo and tradition of the Essendon Football Club (might go) because it might upset the odd person or two. We (might) lose something so special with our football club.
“I hope it stays.”
Essendon’s logo is one of the oldest in the competition, with the current design first unveiled in 1997.
The Herald Sun reports the red sash on the Bombers jumper could be used as part of a revamp of the logo.
The colours of the logo — which currently include a lot of grey — could also change pending feedback from members, supporters and sponsors.
No decisions have been made yet, with the research project still being conducted.
Essendon has a link to the aviation theme with its proximity to Melbourne Airport, with the club moving to its Hanger headquarters in Tullamarine in late 2013.
Originally published as AFL 2023: Essendon Bombers considering logo change, replacing Bomber aircraft, Matthew Lloyd response, reaction, latest news