Leading superannuation fund, HOSTPLUS, is Essendon’s ‘coach partner’ for 2010.

The two-year deal will see the HOSTPLUS logo displayed on the polo of Matthew Knights, the assistant coaches and in the coaching box. In addition, HOSTPLUS will work with the club in a number of other areas including accessing the highly successful leadership programs.

“HOSTPLUS is immensely proud to announce its partnership with the Essendon Football Club. At HOSTPLUS we place great importance on delivering value and benefits to our members, and we are constantly on the lookout for marketing synergies that provide opportunities to increase existing and potential member bases” HOSTPLUS CEO David Elia said.

“With its enormous national following, AFL provides an ideal media vehicle to increase HOSTPLUS’ brand awareness. The opportunity to partner with a club like Essendon that has a rich tradition and history of success provides an effective platform for HOSTPLUS to work toward retaining and engaging our membership of well over 900,000 Australians.

“HOSTPLUS is the industry fund for Hospitality, Tourism, Recreation and Sport so, with a partnership of this nature, we are also supporting the industries in which our members are employed.”

Essendon CEO Ian Robson said the high profile of Matthew Knights and his assistant coaches would deliver great value for the HOSTPLUS brand especially with the club building toward a period of sustained success.

“Essendon and HOSTPLUS are both committed to being leaders in their fields and we believe this partnership will help further that goal.

“We are very pleased to have a strong brand like HOSTPLUS join us - they are a leader in their field and they are recognized as an innovative and forward thinking organisation.”

To learn more about HOSTPLUS visit www.hostplus.com.auor to find out about the Essendon leadership programs email Dean on dhollingworth@essendonfc.com.au