Hundreds of families, local insurance brokers and CGU employees had the chance to hold, cuddle and even kiss Collingwood’s 2010 AFL Premiership Cup during a recent tour of Victoria.
The Collingwood Cup Tour, run as part of CGU’s new partnership agreement with the club, visited CGU branches in Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat in the week commencing Monday, 21 February, 2011.
The tour recognised the dedication and passion of three of Collingwood’s longest-serving members, with house visits to Ocean Grove resident Lorraine Jackson (45 years a Collingwood member), Bendigo’s Frank Paul (50 years) and Ballarat identity Laurie Kaine (34 years).
The Cup also visited car dealer Jefferson Ford in Mentone and the City of Casey offices at Fountain Gate.
But it wasn’t only one-eyed Collingwood supporters that enjoyed hosting the Cup at their CGU workplace, many AFL fans – including those from arch-rival clubs Essendon and Carlton – were caught holding the Cup aloft and smiling for a photo.
On Monday, the Cup visited CGU offices in Geelong, giving long-suffering Collingwood fans a chance to finally show their colours in the heartland of the all-conquering Cats.
A big bear hug! Lauchlan, Callum and Declan.
Ocean Grove's Les and Lorraine. It's all smiles for Collingwood fans in Geelong.
The Cup then moved to Bendigo on Tuesday, where CGU employees, local brokers and even the local publican were waiting to lift the impressive trophy high into the air.
Millie holds the Cup high. Melissa with her children Lachlan and Audrey.
Wade and Bevan are one-eyed fans. Norma and Frank enjoy a cup house call.
The Cup tour rolled into Ballarat on Wednesday, where dozens of local families, brokers and CGU employees enjoyed lunch and a big screen replay of last year’s AFL Grand Final.
Janice shows her true colours. Laurie Kaine, a former Pies player, holds the Cup.
Kelly and Matthew raise the Cup. Janice, Kristie, Airlie, Oliver and Corbin say cheese.
On Thursday, the team at Jefferson Ford in Mentone had their chance to get up close and personal with the Cup.
Ian Booth and Simon Jefferson hoist the Cup high.
After a whirlwind week, the Cup finished its tour in the municipal offices of the City of Casey on Friday, visiting employee and die-hard Collingwood supporter Andrew Van Oirschott and his colleagues.
Angus Robinson, Paul Mariano, Leanne Russell, Andrew Van Oirschott, Tracey Wood, Julie Berkec and Paul Colangeli keep a tight grip on the Cup.