By Kieran Yap 17/2/25
Above: Designer of the Nike collection Reko Rennie in Australia’s new anthem jacket. Photo: Football Australia
A new Matildas jersey means new memories are about to be made. The next kit from Nike is to make its debut on Friday morning, and is the result of a collaboration with Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie,
At the core of the collection – amongst other elements to be revealed– is a striking motif that draws inspiration from patterns commonly found in First Nations message sticks, used traditionally to pass messages and communication between communities.
Through this, the collection shares an empowering message of connection and elevates the visibility of the World’s oldest continuous culture on the national and global stage.
The new kit and matchday wear arrives in time for the She Believes Cup, where Australia will take on the United States, Japan and Colombia. Although the designs will be shared across the Matildas and Sococeroos, the women will be the first to take to the field in it.
The new kit comes with a new unified branding message from Football Australia. “Forvever Forging Forward,” which aims to embody the relentless perusing of progress, cultural representation and inspiration that both Australia teams embody.
Reko Rennie was recently the subject of a major retrospective exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne.
The jersey will feature a design from a 2024 Reko Rennie painting, which was recently displayed in the NGV’s REKOSPECTIVE: The Art of Reko Rennie exhibition.
From a Matildas perspective, the old jersey will be missed, the 2023 World Cup jersey holds special memories for many fans. For thousands it was the first football shirt they identified with or owned, and it beamed across an unprecedented number of screens in Australia.
However, the Reko Rennie design provides a chance to move forward, and create new iconic images. Jerseys become linked in our minds with moments that we never forget.
As the 2019 kit is synonymous with Chloe Logarzo’s statuesque celebration against Brazil or the 2023 one was with Sam Kerr’s wonder goal against England, so too will this kit etch itself into football folklore.
The Matildas have a big 12 months ahead, and with the nation once again hosting a major international tournament, the opportunity for new memories nears.
But first is the She Believes Cup, and a chance to show off the new kit against some of the world’s best teams.
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