While the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood Football Club are fierce competitors on the field, the clubs have announced a strategic off-field alliance to explore a range of joint business and community development opportunities that will provide mutual benefit to both clubs.
These joint activities will focus on building a traditional blockbuster game between the two clubs, shared sponsorship opportunities, increasing value for both club memberships and enhanced community engagement.
“We are really excited about this strategic alliance which sees two traditional heartland clubs joining forces to leverage mutual benefits from across a range of areas,” Bulldogs Chief Executive, Simon Garlick said today.
In practical terms under the strategic alliance the Clubs will put together a joint submission to the AFL seeking to establish an annual ‘blockbuster’ match at Etihad Stadium, between the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood, at a regular slot in the fixture over a sustained period of time.
“Like the Derby’s, Anzac Day, Rich/Carl Rd 1, Dreamtime Game and Queen’s Birthday, we are keen to work with Collingwood to build a regular fixture that would bring substantial revenue benefit to the Bulldogs each year”.
The Western Bulldogs have secured the high profile, legal services provider, Slater & Gordon, to be the naming rights partner of such a traditional match which we are proposing would align with the ‘Robert Rose Cup’ – the annual match the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood promotes in recognition of people with disabilities.
Both WBFC and CFC have established support for people with disabilities within the community including the provision of support for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
In addition to a significant overarching partnership with the Western Bulldogs, Slater & Gordon would own the naming rights to the annual game, as well as having the opportunity to provide preferred legal services offerings to both club memberships.
“The shared Slater & Gordon partnership is just the first component of what we believe this innovative alliance could deliver to both the Pies and Dogs.”
“While clearly it is early days, once all of the planned initiatives are successfully in place - the potential shared revenue opportunities for both clubs could be significant - over time”.
Garlick said the Club was thrilled to be working with Slater & Gordon on this important partnership that was anchored in a shared commitment to raising awareness of the plight of people with disability.
“We are looking forward to working with Slater & Gordon to promote a match that is centred on acknowledging the contribution of people with disabilities in our community”.
