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A-League Kits: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

As the A-League enters its 20th season, the importance of a club’s kit cannot be overstated. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about identity, culture, and making a statement on and off the pitch. ESPN takes a closer look at the best and worst kits of the 2024-25 season.

The Cream of the Crop

1. Brisbane Roar Away: This stunning maroon and cream checkerboard pattern is a contender for one of the greatest A-League kits of all time. With a transparent badge, maroon collar, and clever sponsor integration, this kit is a masterclass in design.
2. Adelaide United Home: Rad is the only way to describe Adelaide’s home kit. The deep rich red base, sublimated detailing inspired by St. Peter’s Cathedral, and transparent white badge make for a truly striking design.
3. Perth Glory Away: Lilac is the new white, and Perth Glory’s away kit is a bold experiment that pays off. The lilac base, green sponsor logo, and unique collar and sleeve design make for a kit that’s equal parts stylish and polarizing.
4. Melbourne City Third: This all-black kit with red and white sashes is a throwback to the 2011-12 season, and it’s a winner. Sashes are criminally underused in kits, and City/Heart have consistently nailed them.
5. Western United Home: Dominating at Ironbark Fields this season, Western United’s home kit is a triumph. The black sleeves and collar, green and black stripes, and classic Kappa Omini logo create a clean and nostalgic design.

The Not-So-Good

1. Brisbane Roar Third: What the away kit gives, the third kit takes away. The “earthy blue” base is incredible, but the original Roar logo watermarked across the jersey and emblazoned on the shoulder in bright orange is too much.
2. Melbourne Victory Away: Last year’s away kit was inspired by the Common Heath, but this year’s offering is a plain white shirt. The mini chevrons are a good idea, but they’re too subtle to make an impact.
3. Wellington Phoenix Home: “Is that it?” The Phoenix do some things right, like incorporating the tohu and designating one kit as home and one as away. However, the “subtle pinstripes” are too subtle to be seen.
4. Western United Goalkeeper Kit: Featuring an all-blue base with green detailing, this kit is a letdown compared to the outfielders’ home and away kits. The faint diamond pattern is easy to miss.
5. Melbourne City Third (Again!): This kit had potential, but the “fresh, edgy pattern” breaks up the sash and makes it feel less clean. Maybe it’s street and cool, but sometimes less is more.