What's New in 2003

Millennium Auctions
On the 22nd October 2003 Millennium Auctions offered as lots 81 and 82, an imperforate 1996 Collingwood and Geelong AFL Centenary Booklet. They realised $2,500 and $2,400 AUD respectively.

The SA Grand Final
On the 5th October 2003 Central District won their third Premiership from the last four years with a comfortable victory over West Adelaide. First Class Collectibles  released a cover of the Premiership.

The Copeland Trophy
On the 3rd October 2003 the Collingwood captain, Nathan Buckley, won his sixth Copeland Trophy for the club's Best and Fairest. First Class Collectibles  released a cover of  Nathan Buckley.

The Grand Final
On the 27th September 2003 the Grand Final is comprehensively won by the Brisbane Lions over the Collingwood Magpies by 50 Points. Two sets of Covers by "Coversplease" are released to commemorate the Game. First Class Collectables released a set for the Brisbane Lions.
The Bugs and Butterflies Booklet, issued on 24th September 2003, with the both the Philatelic and the General Barcode, was overprinted with "Congratulations Brisbane "Threepeat" Back to Back AFL winners 2001-2002-2003" . The booklet is shown folded.

The Brownlow Medal
The Brownlow Medal ended in a three way tie for the first time since 1930 with Collingwood captain Nathan Buckley, Adelaide skipper Mark Ricciuto and Sydney ruckman Adam Goodes all taking home the league’s highest individual award at a gala Ceremony on 22nd September 2003. First Class Collectibles  released covers of Adam Goodes, Mark Riciutto and Nathan Buckley.

The Magarey Medal
On the17th September 2003, In front of over 480 guests, the League named Brett Ebert as the 2003 recipient of South Australian Football's most prestigious medal. The in form Brett Ebert joined a long list of great South Australian football names, including his father on South Australian football's night of nights. First Class Collectables released two commemorative covers showing the player and a series of plays.

All Australian Team
The All Australian Team was chosen on the 9th September 2003 at the Park Hyatt Ballroom. It forms the basis on the team to play Ireland in the International Series.

Showdown XIV
Port Power won their 7th Showdown in a row over  the Adelaide Crows in Showdown XIV at Football Park on 31st August 2003. The final scores were Power 14.10.94 to 12.6.78. c They portrayed Andrew McLeod, Simon Goodwin, Dean Brogan, Brett Mongomery and Byron Pickett. Four covers were relased by Stampsoz. They portrayed Peter Burgoyne, Warren Tredrea, Gavin Wanganeen and Byron Pickett.

St Kilda Hall of Fame
The St Kilda Hall of Fame was named at a function at the Palladium Ballroom, Crown Casino on the 1st August 2003. Darryl Baldock was named the First Legend, along with 12 other inductees. First Class Collectables issued the a set of covers to commemorate the event.

Fitzroy Postmark
Somewhat surprisingly, considering the Brisbane Fitzroy merger occurred at the end of 1996, was the announcement by Australia Post, in the June-July 2003 Stamp Bulletin No 270 of the withdrawal for the second time of the Fitzroy Postmark on the 6th June 2003. First Class Collectables released a set of Covers. They included Wilfred Smallhorm, Kevin Murray, Hayden Bunton, Dinny Ryan, Bernie Quinlan and Alan Ruthven. A similar set were also released of the same players Wilfred Smallhorm, Kevin Murray, Hayden Bunton, Dinny Ryan, Bernie Quinlan and Alan Ruthven.

Jason McCartney
Bali Bombing victim Jason McCartney returned to the Kangaroo's Senior team on the 6th June 2003. Following an inspired victory over Richmond he announced his retirement. He gained special permission from the AFL to wear the numbers 88 and 202 on his jumper, representing the Australian and total death toll. First Class Collectibles released a cover  to commemorate the event.

StampsOz
Two exclusive sets of 20 First Day Covers to mark the release of the Australia Post 2003 Personalised Player "P" stamps have been listed for auction on Ebay by StampsOz. The Post Adelaide set of First Day Covers has been postmarked at Port Adelaide on 28 April 2003, the official release date of the stamps. Only 20 complete sets of these Covers exist. An example of the Powers Covers depicts Captain, Matthew Primus. A set has also been released for the Adelaide Crows with the AAMI Stadium postmark. An example of the Crows Covers depicts Captain, Mark Riccuito.

Showdown XIII
Port Power won their 6th Showdown in a row over  the Adelaide Crows in Showdown XIII at Football Park on 26th April 2003. The final scores were Power 12.6.78  to 9.12.66. Four Covers by First Class Collectibles was released to commemorate the event. They portrayed Kane Cornes, Chad Cornes, Darryl Waklin & Wayne Carey and Warren Tredrea.

Anzac Day Clash
The traditional Anzac Day clash, on the 25th April 2003, between Essendon and Collingwood was won by the Bombers. First Class Collectibles released a cover  showing James Hird to commemorate the event.
Joe Misiti celebrated his 200th Game. First Class Collectibles released a commemorative cover.

Michael Voss 200th Game
On the 5th April 2003 the Brisbane Lions Skipper played his 200th game. First Class Collectibles released a cover  to commemorate the event.

Glen Jakovich 250th Game
On the 29th March 2003 the West Coast Eagles Centre Half Back played his 250th game. First Class Collectibles released a cover  to commemorate the event.

Premiership Players Club
The Annual Premiership Players Club P stamp Sheet of 20 players was released on the 26th March 2003. The players featured were Shaun Rehn, Dennis Munari, Ken Hunter, Brian Gray, Neil Mann, Dean Wallis, Jack Jones, Ron Stockman, Laurie Bickerton, Fred Wooller, Jim Wills, Morton Browne, Russell Greene, Len Dockett, Ray Wartman, Darren Crocker, David Dench, Daryl Cumming, Max Oppy and Darrel Baldock
First Class Collectables issued the above set of 20 covers.