Gold Coast Suns' Pre-Season Kit Draws Comparisons to Sydney Swans
During the Gold Coast Suns' pre-season match against Brisbane on Thursday night, social media erupted with confusion as fans and experts alike noticed a striking resemblance between the Suns' attire and that of the Sydney Swans. The white jumper, red shorts, and red socks worn by Gold Coast bore an uncanny similarity to Sydney's classic heritage strip, leading many to dub the team the "Gold Coast Swans." This unexpected visual overlap quickly became a hot topic, raising questions about the AFL's uniform approval process and the broader issue of design ownership in the league.
AFL Experts Express Bafflement Over Kit Approval
Channel 7's AFL expert Kane Cornes was among those taken aback, admitting he thought his eyes were deceiving him when he tuned into the game. "I turned the TV on, and I thought my mind was playing tricks on me, because I'd just watched Sydney play," Cornes said on SEN. "Then I turned this on and I swore that was Sydney running around against Brisbane." He emphasized that, aside from the word "SUNS" on the front and sponsor logos, the kit was virtually identical to Sydney's, prompting him to question how the AFL could have approved it. Cornes argued that such duplication could confuse fans and undermine team identity, particularly for those who purchase merchandise.
His colleague, North Melbourne champion David King, acknowledged that the kit "did look strange" but downplayed it as a minor issue, suggesting it was less critical in February than on grand final day. However, Cornes remained firm, drawing parallels to other clubs' design disputes, such as Port Adelaide's ongoing battle over their "prison bars" guernsey, which Collingwood technically owns in the AFL. This historical context adds depth to the controversy, highlighting long-standing tensions over uniform rights in the sport.
Fan Reactions and Broader Implications for AFL Uniforms
On social media, many fans echoed Cornes' concerns, with one asking, "Why am I looking at the Gold Coast Swans?" while another criticized the design as "UGLY." The backlash underscores the emotional connection supporters have to their teams' visual identities. The incident also recalls the 2021 AFL decision to deny Port Adelaide's request to wear their iconic strip, citing a licensing agreement with Collingwood. Former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire has been vocal about protecting such designs, even threatening legal action, which illustrates the high stakes involved in these matters.
As the debate continues, it raises important questions about the AFL's role in regulating uniforms to prevent clashes and maintain distinct team branding. With pre-season matches serving as a testing ground for new kits, this controversy may prompt the league to review its approval criteria, ensuring that future designs respect historical precedents and fan expectations. For now, the Gold Coast Suns' unexpected kit choice has sparked a broader conversation about identity and tradition in Australian rules football.
