The Sydney Swans AFL team will don a new look this year as part of its away strip.

In a nod to the old South Melbourne colours, the Swans will wear black shorts when there is a uniform clash at away games this season. 

South Melbourne wore black shorts as part of its home uniform for 52 years from 1923 to 1975, including the 1933 VFL Premiership.

The black shorts will be seen in action for the first time in 50 years when Sydney faces the Gold Coast Suns in the AAMI Community Series on Friday night.

The shorts will be paired with the traditional away Red V guernsey and worn on a second occasion this year when the Swans travel to take on the Suns in Round Seven. 

The Sydney Swans 1933 Premiership team wearing the black shorts.
Bob Skilton in action wearing the black shorts.