The AFL has advised Fremantle that its players will have to wear white shorts instead of purple shorts in Saturday’s home game against Essendon at Patersons Stadium.

Although the players would normally wear purple shorts as part of Fremantle’s home strip, the AFL has advised the club that the players must wear white shorts for the game against Essendon.

A similar ruling by the AFL last week saw West Coast players having to wear white shorts in their home strip for the round 12 home game against Carlton at Patersons Stadium.

While it is clearly Fremantle’s preference for its players to wear purple shorts in the home strip, the AFL instructs all clubs on a weekly basis as to what strip all players are required to wear.

The AFL advised Fremantle officials that its players have to wear white shorts on the basis that Fremantle has some white in its playing strip, while Essendon does not.

Fremantle was advised by the AFL that the decision was made “to present the match with the best possible distinction between the two team uniforms”, adding that it “seeks to avoid the introduction of another colour into a club’s uniform where possible”.