Melbourne Heart FC has today revealed the winning entry of its fan-designed alternative Third Kit for the 2013-14 season.
In what is fast becoming a tradition with the Melbourne’s second A-League club, the social media competition to design a one-off kit drew plenty of entries and were whittled down to a final shortlist of four prior to Wednesday’s unveiling.
Heart fan Domenic Stephen’s winning design was modelled by club captain Harry Kewell and defender Patrick Kisnorbo in Epping this morning, and will be worn by the team in it’s landmark 100th A-League match against the Newcastle Jets in their Round 15 encounter on 17 January 2014.
“It looks good and it’s good that the fans have their names on the shirts, which contributes to the Club and hopefully it can be our lucky strip,” Kisnorbo said.
Melbourne Heart CEO Scott Munn acknowledged the contribution from MatchWorks, Melbourne Heart’s away jersey sponsor, for sponsoring the initiative.
“With the support of MatchWorks for the second consecutive year, this competition has been made possible and we have been able to reward our fans through their dedication to the Club,” Munn said.
“Including the names of our members on the jersey rewards them for their continued support and loyalty, and what better way than having their name worn by our players in the Club’s 100th match.”
The winning design is manufactured by Kappa, and is in the club’s hues of red, white and black.
Domenic Stephen, 28, said his design moved away from the charcoal gray designs of the competition’s previous winning entries (2011/2012).
“It was my intention to return to the Club’s colours without using stripes, sashes and/or hoops as part of my design,” he said.
“I also noted that Melbourne Heart’s opponent would be Newcastle Jets, a club with dark home and away kits; therefore a lighter design would avoid a clash.
“I’ve received a lot of support for my design from so many people since I posted it on [social media] in early September but didn’t think that my design would be considered, let alone win.
‘I can’t wait to see the boys wearing it in January.”