MELBOURNE and New Balance are on track to reach a personal best, extending their relationship to become the longest-standing apparel partnership in the AFL.
The global athletic brand will continue as the club’s Official Apparel Partner, with a new three-year deal set to take the special partnership through to a record 15 consecutive years.
Demons Bayley Fritsch, Charlie Spargo and James Harmes were on hand to launch the extension, welcoming NBA star and New Balance athlete Jamal Murray to Melbourne on Monday. The players came together to exchange guernseys and teach each other new tricks on the hallowed turf of the MCG.
It will see Melbourne and New Balance add to its rich history, having produced a wealth of traditional and bespoke guernseys, training gear and outerwear over the past 12 years – enjoyed by Demon players and fans alike.
Dean Howard, General Manager of New Balance Australia and New Zealand, said he was thrilled to be adding another chapter and building on the strong relationship with the red and blue.
“New Balance is absolutely delighted to be re-signing our 12-year-long partnership with Melbourne Football Club for another three years,” he said.
“The Demons were our first ever partners at the elite level in AFL and we’ve been by their side through the highs and lows. We’ve supported the club and its members with offers, exclusive products and several community and grassroots initiatives.
“We are excited to see our partnership extend and look forward to working with Melbourne as it continues its football journey.”
Melbourne CEO Gary Pert echoed the sentiment, reflecting on the journey the two have been on.
“New Balance are part of the Melbourne family, and we are proud to have the longest consecutive apparel partnership of any in the league,” he said.
“From Auskickers to grandparents, the Demon faithful are again wearing their red and blue guernseys – both in the streets and at our games – and New Balance has played a big part in this.
“We know the power it has on our players, to see a sea of red and blue in the stands. As we head into a 2022 AFL Finals campaign, I encourage everyone to wear their colours and guernseys with pride and embrace the Demon Spirit.”
