Grand final parade threat

[Strawb]

from today's Geelong Addy.
Grand final parade threat

Jason Shields

25Sep07

GEELONG could be forced to boycott Friday's grand final parade if it's unable to resolve a sponsorship conflict between car giants Ford and Toyota.


Geelong players must parade in Toyota vehicles as part of the AFL's sponsorship arrangements but the club is reluctant to participate given its long-standing sponsorship history with Ford.

The car war hit new heights yesterday when Cats CEO Brian Cook said the club wanted the impasse resolved within 24 hours or it would have to examine its options.

He admitted that one of those options would be for the club to pull out of the annual parade.

``It's a possibility, but it's also the last thing we want to do,'' Cook said of the potential boycott. ``Thousands of our supporters will be flocking into the city (of Melbourne) to see our players, so we have got to deal with it as soon as possible.

``We don't want to let Ford down, we don't want to let our supporters down and we don't want to let the AFL down. But we are in a position where we are going to upset someone. No matter which way we go we are going to have to upset someone.''

Under AFL rules, Geelong is obligated to participate in the parade and would face a significant sanction if it was to boycott the event.

``The AFL can take any action it deems appropriate,'' AFL communications manager Patrick Keane said yesterday.

``The grand final parade has been running for 30 years, Toyota is the premier partner to the AFL and the money they contribute benefits all 16 clubs and every level of football.''

Cook said Geelong had been negotiating with Ford over its involvement in the parade for the past 48 hours.


``We have had a major sponsor for over 80 years and here we are driving around in Toyotas the day before our biggest game in 44 years, so that is a bit of an issue for us,'' Cook said.

``We have great empathy for Ford's position. They have been a major sponsor of our club since 1924. They are recognised as a protected sponsor in the eyes of the AFL, yet they are not protected by the AFL.

``We have a bit of work to sort out in the next 24 hours. What I am not willing to do as a football club is to let this go on forever.

``We have to be serious about ensuring the lead-up to the grand final is as stress-free and smooth as possible for our club and, in particular, our player and coaching group.

``As a club, we are between a rock and a hard place. Unfortunately we are going to have to upset someone. It is a tough one for us.''

FORD is considering hosting its own grand final parade in Geelong if the Cats win Saturday's grand final.

The company was responding to an AFL edict that Geelong players must take part in Friday's traditional grand final parade through Melbourne's CBD in Toyota vehicles as part of the AFL's sponsorship arrangements.

Geelong has said it would be reluctant to participate in the Melbourne parade given its long-standing sponsorship history with Ford, but the AFL has said it could fine the club if it boycotted the event.

Ford sponsorship manager Nick Cummins said the company was disappointed by the AFL's decision.

``We would love to have the guys parade in Fords,'' he said.

``At the moment the club and ourselves are looking at our options on Friday. I think that this is an on-going issue and not just with us, but with a number of clubs. The AFL is operating as a 17th club in some instances.

``We have a protected position, we are certainly not fly-by-night.

``We feel that when the club succeeds we should be able to celebrate in that success.

``My understanding is if they don't participate that they will get fined.''


Now i agree with Ford and Geelong's stance but I also agree with the AFL's stance I feel that the AFL should allow Geelong to use there Major sponsor of 80+ years Cars.

[devilsadvocate]

What a load of cock really. I mean who's going to make their car purchase decision based on which AFL side is in which car.

Understood, there's contractual agreements and rival companies will come into play, but FFS to call off the Cat's participation is ludicrous. It wouldn't be GF week without the GF parade.

So sort it out Ford and Toyota. Don't be egotistical cocks and stuff it up for everyone!

[Rik E Boy]

Have Fords and Toyotas in the parade. Why should the fans suffer? Are the Port team going in the parade? In 'open top' Allan Scott Rigs?

regards,

REB

[stan]

Have Fords and Toyotas in the parade. Why should the fans suffer? Are the Port team going in the parade? In 'open top' Allan Scott Rigs?

regards,

REB

yes yes they are

[FlyingHigh]

Agree da, this sort of thing give you the s***ts. Everyone would have known at the start of the year Toyota is a main AFL sponsor and has been for a few years. Toyota sponsor the AFL, Ford sponsor Geelong, AFL event, end of story.

Think sometimes these sponsors get a bit precious, even though I understand they put a fair bit of money into the game. But they're only putting money into the game because the game itself is so good/popular to start off with.

[Sojourner]

I recall one time watching a special on the Richmond football club and one chap was in the crowd unhappy at the state of the club was yelling that he had even purchased a Nissan to support the club, Nissan being a sponsor of the Tigers at the time. So maybe to some people it does matter!

I remain convinced that Toyota sponsoring the Crows when they started put several nails in the coffin of local car maker Mitsubishi, the numbers of the 1991 series Camrys that you used to see parked at Football Park well rivalled both the number of Falcons and Commodores there!

[Dogwatcher]

I think Geelong has no intention of boycotting the parade.

All they're doing is supporting their sponsor, airing their 'grievance' so that even if they do ride in Toyota's it's well known that they had no choice and Ford gets some free advertising.

Win/win for the Cats. Ford won't be too disappointed either - the stoush over whether they're going to boycott is worth more to them than the players actually riding in them on the day. Who will really notice what cars the players are in? But we've all been reminded Ford are Geelong's sponsors.

[MatteeG]

Why dont the cats all just wear shirts with a big Ford logo on em?

[Dirko]

Why dont the cats all just wear shirts with a big Ford logo on em?

GOLD !!
Yeah, with "Toyotas suck" on the back !!

[Westsider]

I do believe Ssangyong are a sponsor of Port... have fords and ssangyongs in the parade.... with the holden blimp overhead, camera men driving around in mitsubishi's and the umpires in a fiat.

[MW]

Have Fords and Toyotas in the parade. Why should the fans suffer? Are the Port team going in the parade? In 'open top' Allan Scott Rigs?

regards,

REB

One things for sure, Ports cars will be stolen

[silicone skyline]

Port will be riding in VL commodores with the rooves hacked off with an axe.
The umpires will be allocated a Segway each.

[stan]

Port will be riding in VL commodores with the rooves hacked off with an axe.
The umpires will be allocated a Segway each.

With cotten wool because there so precious

[Strawb]

Ford have been and pretty much Geelong Sponsors for life. The AFL knew this when they got Toyota to sponsor the AFL. So I feel they need to compremise with this. I feel the Cats should have the right to use Ford cars and also the AFL know Ford has put alot of money into both the AFL and Geelong over the years.

[bayman]

JUST PUT THEM ALL IN HOLDENS & BOTH COMPANIES 'LOSE OUT'

[Wedgie]

JUST PUT THEM ALL IN HOLDENS & BOTH COMPANIES 'LOSE OUT'

Can't do that as they'd all break down half way.

[haloman]

Here's a novel idea............why not bloody walk it boys.
Shorten the parade let the lads walk through the streets and have a ball.
Surely professional athlete's could handle a casual stroll down the main street the day before a game.

[dinglinga]

maybe all the geelong players could catch taxis arent they all fords

[the wonder elephant]

I do believe Ssangyong are a sponsor of Port... have fords and ssangyongs in the parade.... with the holden blimp overhead, camera men driving around in mitsubishi's and the umpires in a fiat.

you say all that and still leave out toyota? maybe an open top camry 4 andrew d and his mates

[Strawb]

Ford has relented and said the cats can go in toyota's. If Geelong wins they will have a parade in Geelong using Fords.