The Cats boast supporters and members from all around the world, and the club recently came across another supporter from across the globe.

John Mirisch was recently elected mayor of Beverly Hills in California, and to help commemorate his inauguration, Geelong vice-captain Jimmy Bartel filmed a congratulatory message that was played during festivities.

Mayor Mirisch and his family are hard core members, and he took time out following his inauguration to thank Bartel for his video message and to praise the team for its win over Hawthorn.

“Thank you very much for the congratulatory video message sent on the occasion of my installation as Mayor of the City of Beverly Hills. The video was the highlight of a great evening, and I am appreciative of the special message from Jimmy Bartel. What a memorable surprise!” he wrote.

“The event was held at the home of the Oscars, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills. I talk about “the Geelong Way” and suggest that 2013 would be a great year for another Cats premiership.

Beating the Hawks on Easter Monday in such a thrilling come-from-behind fashion not only was a great demonstration of the Geelong Way, but it was also the perfect way to start the season, and a great first step towards that goal.

It’s an impressive honor being installed as Mayor, as well as being the first GFC member to hold this title. With its 35,000 residents, the City of Beverly Hills is a very unique and diverse community made up of residents, world-class businesses and over 5 million global visitors; like Geelong, Beverly Hills places a great value on community.

“Please also pass on my personal appreciation and regards to the entire team and organization, particularly to vice-captain Bartel (who along with captain Selwood is a particular hero of my 5-year-old Vin, also a GFC member).”

Proving the mayor’s devotion to the cause, the photo on his website for election showed him wearing his Cats polo shirt!

Hopefully Mayor Mirisch will be able to arrange a game in his home town featuring the Cats during his tenure.