Melbourne Heart FC have revealed the winning entry of its fan-designed alternative Third Kit for the 2013-14 Hyundai A-League season.
Melbourne Heart FC have revealed the winning entry of its fan-designed alternative Third Kit for the 2013-14 season, manufactured by the Club-s kit sponsor Kappa and sponsored by MatchWorks.
Unveiled by Melbourne Heart FC captain Harry Kewell and defender Patrick Kisnorbo, the competition has stimulated interest across Melbourne Heart FC-s fan base and on social media since the competition was launched in September.
Melbourne Heart FC-s Hyundai A-League side will don the unique fan-designed Third Kit for the Club-s landmark 100th A-League match in Round 15 against the Newcastle Jets on Friday 17 January 2014 at AAMI Park.
The winning entry from 2012 incorporated an unprecedented digital initiative – which was a first for the A-League and other sporting codes in Australia – where the Club displayed player-s Twitter handles on the back of last season-s Third Kit for an ‘interactive match-, played against Perth Glory.
This season, the winning entry will feature the names of over 5,000 Melbourne Heart FC members (who signed up before Friday 20 September 2013).
“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 FC 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.”
Kappa produced this season-s winning entry, designed by one of the Club-s Ace of Hearts members, Domenic Stephen, which primarily utilises the Club-s Red and White colour palate.
Domenic, 28, said his design moved away from the charcoal grey 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,” Domenic 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.”
The competition, which has been run for the past three seasons, gives Melbourne Heart members the unique opportunity to show their true colours, and gives them the chance to leave their mark on the first team.
The entries were whittled down to the top four, with the winner selected by the team-s Head Coach John Aloisi and players.
Domenic will receive a version of the completed jersey, signed by the whole Melbourne Heart FC team.
The winning design template, created by Domenic Stephen:
