Pennant (sports)

For other uses, see Pennant (disambiguation).
The ritual of hoisting of the premiership flag in Australian sporting culture dates back to 1896, and is an enduring symbol in Australian sporting culture, particularly in Australian rules football. "The Flag" is figuratively still as important as "the Cup", despite a premiership trophy being introduced in the VFL/AFL in 1959, long after the premiership flag. This is the unfurling of the 1906 premiership flag by the Carlton Football Club in Round 1 of 1907; Carlton won the 1906 premiership after defeating Fitzroy in the VFL Grand Final.

A pennant is a commemorative pennon typically used to show support for a particular athletic team. Pennants have been historically used in all types of athletic levels: high school, collegiate, professional etc. Traditionally, pennants were made of felt and fashioned in the official colors of a particular team.[citation needed]

Often graphics, usually the mascot symbol, as well as the team name were displayed on pennants. The images displayed on pennants were either stitched on with contrasting colored felt or had screen-printing.

Today, vintage pennants with rare images or honoring special victories have become prized collectibles for sporting enthusiasts. While pennants are typically associated with athletic teams, pennants have also been made to honor institutions and vacation spots, often acting as souvenirs.