The concept was originally devised to combat a trend that saw the number of player rotations increase dramatically.
It was initially met with some resistance, and remains a hot topic of discussion, but overall it seems to have been accepted as part of the game.
In three-and-a-bit seasons, just about every Brisbane Lions player has worn either the green or red vest at some stage during a match.
As a general rule, the green vest is handed to a smaller ‘impact player’ who can provide extra run and influence a contest in the latter stages of a game.
The red vest, however, is usually reserved for bigger players who are beginning to tire.
It’s not always the case, however, with injuries, form, and fitness all factors that ultimately determine who wears the vest on any given day.
Rohan Bewick holds the record as the most-subbed Lions player, spending 13 of his 48 senior matches as the substitute – eight times in the green vest and five in the red vest.
He edges out Patrick Karnezis, who spent almost half of his senior matches as the sub.
One time ‘super sub’ Josh Green is third with eight substitutions, although the livewire forward’s improved fitness base might see him less likely to be handed a vest in the future.
Remarkable, only seven current Lions players have NEVER worn the substitute in a senior AFL match – including James Aish and Sam Michael who have played just two and three games respectively.
The other five include: Captain Jed Adcock (165 games), the ever-durable Jack Redden (100 games), Mitch Golby (41 games), Justin Clarke (16 games), and Jack Crisp (12 games).
Jonathan Brown, Tom Rockliff, Daniel Rich, Joel Patfull, Daniel Merrett, Pearce Hanley, Dayne Zorko have all worn ‘the vest’ at one time or another, and even off-season recruits Trent West, Jackson Paine, and Luke McGuane have spent time as a substitute with their former clubs.
Most-subbed Lions (times as starting sub in brackets)
13 – Rohan Bewick (8)
10 – Patrick Karnezis (7)
8 – Josh Green (7)
7 – Ryan Harwood (7)
6 – Ryan Lester (4)
6 – Sam Docherty (5)
5 – Aaron Cornelius (1)
5 – Ash McGrath (0)
5 – Claye Beams (4)
5 – Jared Polec (4)
5 – Simon Black (2)
Never subbed
James Aish
Jack Crisp
Jed Adcock
Jack Redden
Mitch Golby
Justin Clarke
Sam Michael
