The Geelong Cats today announced global fashion powerhouse the Cotton On Group will be the Club’s official on and off field apparel sponsor.
The iconic Australian brand is one of the first fashion retailers to partner with an AFL club, and through its high-performance sportswear category COAR, will become the Cats’ sole apparel sponsor from November 1.
The deal will see the Group supply a range of 27 items, which includes on and off-field apparel for players and officials, in addition to official supporter merchandise which will be available through the Cats Shop at Simonds Stadium, AFL and select sporting goods stores. The range will include guernseys, polos and training apparel such as t-shirts and shorts.
Geelong Cats Chief Executive Officer, Brian Cook, said that the Club is looking forward to moving into a new era of on-field and merchandise apparel with the Cotton On Group.
“The Cotton On Group has been a big supporter of the club for a number of years and we are delighted to have them on board as our official apparel partner in 2017,” he said.
“The Cotton On Group has engaged our players in the design process, so there is genuine excitement around our new apparel range for 2017, and what better way to represent Geelong than be dressed by a Geelong company.”
Cotton On Group Chief Financial Officer, Michael Hardwick, mirrored Cook’s excitement saying the Group was thrilled to become the apparel sponsor of the Geelong Cats, with whom it has been a proud community partner for many years.
“While the sports connection has great synergy with COAR, the partnership with the Cats is another way we are demonstrating our commitment to Geelong, a region that has been an incredible supporter of our business for 25 years,” said Michael.
Developed in partnership with a working group of Cats superstars, including Josh Caddy, Mitch Duncan, George Horlin-Smith and Scott Selwood, the apparel boasts high-performing functions such as compression technology, moisture management and odour control.
The collaboration also saw the team make a special addition to their playing shorts in what is known as the “Patty Pocket”- a nod to 2016 Brownlow Medalist, Patrick Dangerfield, who requested a home for his mouthguard while lining up for goal.
In addition to the Geelong Cats apparel and supporter merchandise, the broader COAR range will be available for men and women in select Cotton On stores from 5th October and online from 14th October, 2016.
About Cotton On Group
The Cotton On Group was born in Geelong, Victoria and over the past 25 years has grown to a store footprint of over 1,400 stores across 18 countries with a team of 22,000 people globally. The Group owns seven brands including; Cotton On, Cotton On KIDS, Cotton On BODY, Factorie, Supre, Rubi and Typo. The Group also has a philanthropic arm, the Cotton On Foundation, which has raised $50 million towards creating 20,000 educational places globally by 2020.
