In the week that the Ford Motor Company celebrates 100 years in Australia, Geelong will mark the centenary of its partnership with the car maker.
The Cats will wear a specially-designed jumper that will feature a replica of the stripe that adorned the famous XY GT 1971 for Friday night’s clash with Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium.
The sleeves and nape of the jumper will be ‘Ford Blue’, with 100 years of Ford integrated in the jumper.
The ‘slinky cat’ on the Geelong emblem has been flipped from facing left to facing right, to represent the future of the partnership with Ford, who started manufacturing on March 31, 1925, a mere six months before the Cats won their first VFL premiership.
“We’re incredibly proud of 100 years in Australia with Ford, but we’re also incredibly proud of our relationship and our partnership with the Geelong Cats and it’s great to have the team here today to support what is an incredible milestone for us,” Ford Australia CEO Andrew Birkic.
“It’s a celebration of not only our business in Australia, but also building communities and it’s an incredible celebration for our people.
“We’ve had multi-generational families work at Ford across whether it be Geelong or Broadmeadows around Australia.”
Geelong CEO Steve Hocking paid tribute to the support received from Ford, which remains connected to the city with its Research and Development centre in Norlane and the Proving Ground in the You Yangs.
“It’s been an incredible partnership,” he said.
“There’s many things that have gone on through that period, including 10 premierships, 19 grand final appearances and 57 final series appearances as well.
“So we’re batting above average, which is really good; above 50% across all those metrics.
“But I think what it does remind you of is how tough it is in the AFL competition and to have Ford supporting us right through that 100 year period is just amazing – just exceptional.”
Prior to Friday night’s match, there will be a parade of past Cats greats, including the recently-retired Tom Hawkins and Zach Tuohy, in various Ford models across the 100 years.
X: @krockfootball
