In the last few issues of the “Collectors Edition “ in 2007 we were discussing Error Cards… and little did we know Select had the Mother-of-All-Errors just around the corner for us in the 2007 Series release of the Predictor Redemption Cards for both AFL and NRL.

What was the problem I hear you ask?

It’s a pretty simple error, but nonetheless a BIG one.

The Graphic Designers at Select put the 2007 Series 1 Champions Logo on the front and back of every Predictor Redemption card rather than the correct Series 2 Supreme 2007 Logo or the Invincible 2007 Logo!

Why is it important?

Because the Champions Series cards are the cheaper, lower quality cards sold via newsagencies, whereas the Series 2 releases (Supreme and Invincible) are more expensive, better quality and more collectible set (because of the inserts) available only through Hobby Stores and Specialty Retailers like Footy Stars.

The Champions cards are a cheaper (and in my opinion) inferior set which means the NRL Enforcer cards and AFL Rookie Cards are potentially devalued by having the Champions Logo included.

As soon as our Redemption Sets arrived we emailed Select to see if they were going to reprint corrected cards?

The answer we received was:

“…we are not reprinting at this stage but I will let you know if we do.”

I was; and I remain, pretty disappointed that a simple and VERY obvious error like this can slide through the entire production process and NOT get spotted… IN BOTH AFL and NRL RELEASES!

I still hold out SOME hope that Select will reprint the cards… but I get the feeling it will take a lot of support and energy to get them to do it.

If you would like to put your energy and support behind the cause here’s how you can do it.

Think of it like an electronic petition… please email Select and encourage them to reprint and redistribute the Predictor Redemption Sets with the correct Logos.

The email should be directed towards Di Nash , the NSW Licensing Manager for Select using this email address:
info[AT]selectaustralia.com.au

While we’re at it.. these cards were released WITHOUT any numbering on the back of the cards too. As collectors, we have no way of knowing they are limited release, let alone how many cards were created.

In my opinion, these cards should at least have 1 of 350 (for NRL) or 1 of 450 (for AFL) on the back of the card, so we know just how scarce they are.

If enough people email Select and voice their disappointment we MIGHT see them respond positively. 2007 was a hellish year for the team at Select, one I’m sure they would all like to put behind them. We’ve seen a number of errors slip through their quality control processes in 2007 and included in this list of errors are:

• 4 x AFL Legend Hall of Fame cards - Wrong Numbering
• Craig Gower - Wrong Picture
• Darren Glass - First name spelling error
• Brad Fittler - Surname spelling error
• 16 x AFL Premiership Redemption Rookies - Wrong logo
• 16 x NRL Premiership Redemption Enforcers - Wrong logo

We certainly hope some changes have been made to their quality control and proofing processes for 2008, and I for one hope they have a MUCH better year.

As they say…

The proof will be in the pudding!