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Senior Geelong FC players, including Captain Steven King, and Coach Mark Thompson, will have the opportunity to hone their driving skills under the expertise of Ford V8 racing car drivers, including Russell Ingall, Brad Jones, Jason Bargwanna and Greg Ritter.
Ford Australia will open the gates of its high-security automotive testing facility to the senior Geelong team and the media for the event.
| What: | GFC senior players will receive driving tips from V8 Supercar heroes over precision, ride, handling, braking and constant speed circuits to commemorate the 80th anniversary of what is believed to be the longest-running sports sponsorship in the world between Ford Australia and GFC |
| When: | 11.30am on Monday August 1, 2005 |
| Where: | Ford Australia Proving Ground |
| Sandy Creek Road, Lara | |
| MEL Ref: 611 E4 | |
| (please come to Ford security gate located on the cnr of Sandy Creek and Granite Roads) | |
| Who: | V8 heroes Russell Ingall, Brad Jones, Jason Bargwanna, Greg Ritter |
| GFC stars Steven King (Captain), Mark Thompson (Coach), and the rest of the senior player group | |
| Ford Australia President Tom Gorman, GFC Chief Executive Brian Cook | |
| Cars: | FPV GT, F6 Tornado and Typhoon, Devil R and Enforcer XR8s, Focus Zetec, and Ford Territory (all in use on the day) |
| 1925 Ford Model T (display only) | |
| Unveiling of a special Ford V8 Race car, featuring the number 80, to commemorate the special links between the two organisations | |
| TV/Photo: | Numerous photo opportunities of GFC drivers being instructed over a series of different circuits by Ford V8 motor sport heroes |
| A TV news pool feed will also be available at 4.00pm on the day, gateway through Channel 10 Melbourne. |
Background details
The association between the automotive manufacturer and AFL club began in 1925, a momentous year for both enterprises. GFC won the premiership cup for the first time while Ford established its Australian operations in the Victorian port of Geelong.
The fortunes of the two have been inextricably linked ever since, through the good and the bad times. There was the Depression and war years, the nation’s economic re-building of the 1950s and ‘60s, the economic rationalism of the ‘80s, and the growing commercialisation of sport in the 90s.
Ford Australia President, Tom Gorman, believes the enduring partnership is due to the two organisations' shared local origins – both began in Geelong -- and the ability of both to adapt to change.
“Football and cars have proven to be a good business match. Many of the challenges faced by Ford over time – fierce competition, modernising our practices, building leadership and professionalism, driving up quality – have equally applied to the footy club and we have been able to share our experiences in moving forward,” Mr Gorman explained.
Mr Gorman, an American, has been introduced to Australia’s passion for Aussie Rules since arriving here 18-months-ago and is now an avid follower. Interestingly, his experiences mirror those of his counterpart of 80 years ago.
When Ford first started its automotive operations in 1925, a firm friendship developed between the company’s first Managing Director, an American named Hubert French who arrived in Geelong, and his new neighbour, Jack Jennings.
Jennings was a keen Geelong supporter and taught Mr French about football. Destiny played its part as Jennings went on to become the club’s longest serving President (26 years), during which time the club won premierships in 1951, ’52 and ’63.
Mr French began a tradition of senior Ford executives becoming firm supporters of the club and contributing in different ways. Employees at various levels provided expertise as board and committee members as well as participating as players, trainers, general volunteers and supporters.
Many Geelong footballers also worked at Ford over the years, including premiership players such as Tommy Quinn (Ford machine operator in 1930s), the legendary Bob Davis (Ford Customs and Excise Department in 50’s), and the number one rover in the club's Team of the Century, Bill Goggin (Ford Stamping Plant in ‘60s).
Later Years
The early 1950s saw Ford’s citizenship interest in the club evolve to a more direct sponsorship with the company providing vehicles for recruiting purposes.
As football became big business in the following years with growing supporter numbers, national media coverage and players emerging as full-time professionals, Ford and the club together adapted to the new playing environment.
Ongoing shared highlights included GFC players wearing Ford-branded guernseys in 1978 for the first time, the building of the Ford Stand at Geelong's home ground in 1995, and the signing of multi-million dollar sponsorship agreements – marking some of the biggest AFL sponsorships in the history of the game.
"The Geelong Football Club has enjoyed an incredible partnership with Ford and we are proud to be celebrating 80 years of this mutually beneficial relationship," GFC Chief Executive Brian Cook said.
"Ford and the Geelong Football Club are key institutions of the greater Geelong area and we share a commitment to the community," he said. "The ongoing relationship is a model for business and sport partnerships in Australia and around the world."