The Essendon Football Club today announced that Samsung Electronics Australia has joined the club as the official technology partner for 2007.

Essendon Managing Director, Peter Jackson, said Samsung’s support is a major mid-season boost for the club.

""Two great teams have joined forces and we are excited about this new partnership – we expect to kick plenty of goals together in the future,"" Mr Jackson said.

""Samsung is an internationally respected and rapidly growing company that employs 138,000 people in 124 offices in 56 countries. They produce world class products - ranging from digital televisions to white goods and computer monitors - that all have a reputation for being top quality.

""Essendon is excited that Samsung have shown their commitment to the club, and Australian Rules Football, by becoming a partner.""

To celebrate the two premium brands joining forces, Essendon Captain and full-forward, Matthew Lloyd, (794 AFL goals) and Archie Thompson, the five-goal 2006/07 grand final hero from Samsung sponsored Melbourne Victory (and a Qantas Socceroo), today took part in a Samsung shoot-out.
 
Both players had five shots from about 20 metres out with the ball from their respective codes and five kicks with their non-preferred ball to see who hit the Samsung target most.

Archie Thompson two goals (one goal with each ball) took out the competition from Matthew Lloyd one goal (AFL ball) to claim bragging rights.

Samsung GM Corporate Marketing, Kurt Jovais, said Essendon is a dynamic and successful Melbourne-based team that also has National exposure.

""More than 17 million people watched an Essendon game in 2006 and our partnership represents a great opportunity to communicate to a large, passionate and loyal group of people. We’re proud to be affiliated with a team that represents leadership and excellence,"" he said.

Mr Jackson said the partnership highlighted Samsung’s commitment to building it’s brand on a local and national level and Essendon presents an opportunity to do just that.

""Samsung products will be showcased and utilised throughout Windy Hill so players, staff and visitors to our facilities will be able to experience, enjoy and benefit from this leading technology,"" he said.

Samsung has a reputation for sponsoring some of the world’s most prestigious sporting events and teams including the Summer and Winter Olympic Games and Chelsea Football Club. Samsung is also the major sponsor of the Melbourne Victory Football Club.

Matthew Lloyd needs six goals to become the 10th player in history to reach 800 goals. He is currently behind Tony Lockett (1360 goals - St Kilda and Sydney), Gordon Coventry (1299 goals - Collingwood), Jason Dunstall (1254 goals - Hawthorn), Doug Wade (1057 goals - Geelong and North Melbourne), Gary Ablett (1030 goals - Hawthorn and Geelong), Jack Titus (970 goals - Richmond), Leigh Matthews (915 goals - Hawthorn), Peter McKenna (874 goals - Collingwood and Carlton) and Bernie Quinlan (817 goals - Footscray and Fitzroy).