The predominately white kit was officially unveiled by Liverpool players James Milner, Simon Mignolet and Martin Škrtel in front of about 2000 Liverpool fans in King George Square on Thursday night.

Mr Smulders was first in line at the Liverpool merchandise stand to claim his own small piece of history.

"It's an awesome feeling being the first to own the new Liverpool shirt for the 2015-16 season," he said.

"It's just really, really awesome."

The @NBFootball #LFC 2015/16 Away Kit was revealed today as part of the Clubs pre-season tour: http://t.co/fGzfveMD7J pic.twitter.com/6LeetQpVVs— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 16, 2015

Mr Smulders, 39, said he had lived in Brisbane for the past 2½ years since arriving from his native South Africa and had adopted Brisbane Roar as his side in Australia.

Come Friday night, though, there would be no divided loyalties.

"I've been a Liverpool supporter since probably about '81, since I can remember, and never loved anyone else but them," he said.

"I support the Roar and I'm a big fan of theirs and I love Liverpool, so this is the first time in my life I've ever watched two teams I like, playing together.

"But I'll be supporting Liverpool. Liverpool's in my blood."

High-profile off-season signing Milner, the England international who signed on a free transfer from Manchester City, said he was happy with the new kit – and the turn-out by the fans.

"It's a long way for us to come but it's great to come and see everyone who supports us from so far away," he said.

"(The new kit) feels good. Obviously, it has to feel good when you're running around and it's how you feel when you look good as well.

"I think it's a nice looking kit and when you feel comfortable, you're going to play some good football."

Anticipation building at King George Square in Brisbane ahead of the #LFC @NBFootball away kit reveal today. pic.twitter.com/W1K15QniBS— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 16, 2015

Deputy mayor Adrian Schrinner conceded the home team's support would likely be drowned out at Lang Park on Friday night.

"As you can see, we've lit up City Hall red, we've lit up the Story Bridge red and Reddacliff Place up the street is lit up red as well," he said.

"Tomorrow night's game is going to be fantastic for the city.

"I'm told there are 600,000 Liverpool supporters in Australia and what that probably means, and I hate to say it as the deputy mayor of Brisbane, it probably means there are more Liverpool supporters in Brisbane than there are Brisbane Roar supporters."

If the cheer from the fans in King George Square was anything to go by, Cr Schrinner could well be right.