This Friday night’s blockbuster between Geelong and the Western Bulldogs has top on-field billing as two in-form teams do battle for four premiership points.
But there’s also an intriguing off-field sponsorship-led contest which is set to determine once and for all which is superior – Dogs or Cats.
The Bulldogs have established a strong partnership with dog food brand PEDIGREE, the Club’s official coaches’ partner since the start of 2020.
This week, cat food brand WHISKAS has jumped on board as a new partner of the Geelong Football Club for Friday night’s match at GMHBA Stadium.
PEDIGREE and WHISKAS are both brands of international company MARS Petcare, a growing segment of approximately 50 brands, made up of about 85,000 Associates in more than 55 countries who serve the nutrition and health needs of dogs, cats, horses, fish and birds every day.
“As big fans of all Australian cats and dogs, we’re proud to bring our heartland brands, WHISKAS and PEDIGREE, to the ultimate showdown!” said MARS Petcare Australia Marketing Director Emily Dowling.
“PEDIGREE is always backing the mighty Bulldogs, and this weekend WHISKAS is bringing a love for all things feline to the ultimate battle of Cats vs Dogs.
“Whoever comes out on top, we’re here for the Cats and Dogs of Australia (and their supporters).”
In the lead up to the Cats vs Bulldogs match, fans of both clubs will be able to participate in digital and social media competitions to determine if felines or canines are the people’s choice.
“Our partnership with PEDIGREE has gone to a whole new level in 2021 and we thought it was fitting that we look to amplify this partnership further by approaching Geelong Football Club about a differentiated partnership opportunity,” said Bulldogs’ Chief Commercial Officer Nick Truelson.
“The synergies between the two clubs, and given PEDIGREE and WHISKAS are so well aligned, we hope to build this concept into a long term one.”
Geelong Chief Commercial Officer Braith Cox was ecstatic when commenting on the Cats new partnership.
“Having WHISKAS come on board as a partner of the football club is one we are super excited about and to build a partnership in conjunction with the Bulldogs and Twenty3, the Cats vs Dogs Rivalry is one we are looking forward to executing for years to come,” he said.
Leading sports marketing agency Twenty3 have been the conduit behind the two teams and brands to help launch this innovative partnership.
