NBL clubs launch Indigenous jerseys for new season
The Perth Wildcats and Melbourne United have unveiled its new Indigenous Round uniforms for the 2025-26 season.
The Wildcats jersey has. been designed by 24-year-old Whadjuk Noongar artist Richard Kickett who has family connections to Balladong and Minang country.
The uniforms will be worn during the NBL26 Indigenous Round supported by P&N Bank, when the Wildcats face the Illawarra Hawks on October 25 in Perth.
Richard has been practising Aboriginal art for seven years, where he began creating acrylic works on canvas under the guidance of his family, before branching into murals, clothing and digital art.
Building identity
He described art as both a personal and cultural connection.
“When I first began creating art, it became a way for me to build my identity and understand who I am. I learned from my family and that process strengthened our connection, and grounded me in culture,” he told wildcats.com.au
“Over time, it’s become a way of storytelling, using creativity to share meaning and stories through each design.”
Kickett grew up a Perth Wildcats fan and his design captures the club’s evolving journey over the years.
Heart of the club
“At the centre of the design is the meeting place symbol, representing the heart of the club, the people, the players, the team staff and the fans who all come together as one,” Kickett said.
“The two sets of paths on the jersey symbolise the journey the Perth Wildcats have been through, highlighting resilience, growth and the importance of moving forward together.”
Kickett said he also took inspiration from the Wildcats’ refreshed logo and identity, symbolising a new chapter for the club.
“With the new logo, I wanted the design to represent the beginning of a new journey for the Perth Wildcats,” he said.
Melbourne’s jersey has been designed by 22-year-old Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung, Ngurai illum Wurrung woman Ky-ya Nicholson Ward.
Bunjil, the Wurundjeri’s creator spirit, in the physical form of the Wedge Tailed Eagle, is depicted on the front, surrounded by a representation of Star Country.
The white linework panels honour traditional possum skin cloaks, worn by the Indigenous elders of a collection of Southeastern First Nations mobs, and passed down from generation to generation, while the blue, diamond shaped linework is a showcase of the strength and resilience of First National people across the globe.
New warm-up uniforms
For the first time, Melbourne United’s coaches polos and warm-up uniforms will also feature an Indigenous design courtesy of Gunai Kurnai man, Alfred Carter.
His design tells the story of the connection between the Elders and the youth, the passing down of knowledge, and the celebration of identity.
Having started painting in 2018, Alfred is influenced by his grandfather, a highly skilled craftsman who made boomerangs, didgeridoos, and even created his own paints. His art reflects his deep connection to Country, culture, family, and his ancestors.
