CHIEF executive Peter Jackson says securing Automotive Holdings Group (AHG) for at least the next three years as Melbourne’s new major sponsor is another significant step in the rejuvenation of the Demons.

Jackson said the partnership with AHG was pivotal to Melbourne building “sustainability and respect” in the AFL.

Speaking at AAMI Park on Monday morning, Jackson thanked AHG for putting its faith in the Demons.

“AHG is a major ASX 200 company, which means it’s a public listed company in the top 200 of the Stock Exchange. That’s very substantial in terms of the Melbourne Football Club and we’re delighted that a company of their stature and brand would join the Melbourne Football Club,” he said.

“They’re the largest automotive retailing company in Australia, with over 5,700 employees and 152 car and truck dealerships across Australia.

“It’s a great sign of support by AHG that they would come and support the Melbourne Football Club and believe in the journey that we are going on.”

AHG managing director Bronte Howson said it was a great opportunity for AHG to be Melbourne’s major sponsor.

“We’ve certainly supported clubs in the past, but we could see that an opportunity had opened up with the [Melbourne] jumper and we could see the culture of Melbourne with Paul [Roos] coming on board,” he said.

“We had met with Peter Jackson and [chief commercial officer] George [de Crespigny] and when we looked through opportunities for a company, where we could invest our money to get value, particularly in the online market, we looked at the Melbourne Football Club and believed in the journey that has been presented to us. We’re certainly very excited to be a part of Melbourne’s future.”

“I go back a few years with Glen Bartlett [the president] and we’re very excited in where we’ll be with the club in the future. We’ll certainly look forward to being involved at all levels.”