St Kilda Football Club is pleased to announce an exciting new three year partnership with one of Australia’s leading Retail and Business Banking brands, St George Bank.

Following a very successful one year alliance with St Kilda in 2009, St.George has recommitted to the Saints in 2010 and will become the Clubs’ Financial Services Partner until at least 2012.

From 2010 the iconic St.George Bank logo will capitalise on its strong brand presence with the Saints and will now appear on St Kilda’s playing and training shorts and match ball for home games played at Etihad Stadium and the MCG.

This is an extension of the initial 2009 association, where St.George received significant brand exposure via St Kilda’s changeroom signage, media backdrop and across corporate hospitality avenues. These key assets will also be retained by St.George in the new partnership.

As part of the new three year agreement, St.George will also be associated with the Club’s highly successful ‘Saints in Schools’ community program.

St Kilda’s ‘Saints Squad’ school based initiative saw the Club visit 60 schools in 2009 and with the commitment of St.George the Saints are hoping to almost double this figure next year.

St Kilda Football Club CEO Michael Nettlefold said, “St.George Bank is an eminent brand to be aligned with however more importantly, our two organisations share common values and a sense of purpose when it comes to community participation and engagement.

“We see this combined grassroots involvement as a fundamental part of the development of our brand and we look forward to continually working with St.George Bank commercially and throughout the community.”

St.George Managing Director Victoria, Peter Lock said, “Our sponsorship of the Saints demonstrates our continued commitment to investing within Victoria. Both St.George and the St Kilda Football Club have a shared interest in developing community programs and we will work together to continue expanding these great initiatives.

“The community is an integral part of St.George Bank’s heritage and St Kilda’s strong community focus is one reason why this partnership is so strategically appealing,” said Mr Lock.

Founded in 1937 as a housing based financial institution, St.George achieved full banking status in July 1992. Its key strategy is harnessing the potential in the franchise and building on its strengths and capabilities.

These strengths include a track record of superior credit quality, positive customer service ratings relative to the industry, and product management and product innovation capabilities.

The Saints are extremely proud of their partnership with St.George and look forward to maximising their brand nationally across the next three years.