Strauchanie sets his sights on the NFL with Carlton Dry’s It’s Still Footy campaign
Ahead of the NFL’s historic arrival in Melbourne on Friday 11 September, Carlton Dry is backing Strauchanie in his unlikely bid to make the jump from AFL to NFL, bringing a new It’s Still Footy campaign to life and celebrating the shared passion that unites fans across both codes.
And while Strauchanie attempts to secure his own place at the MCG between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, Carlton Dry is giving two Aussie footy fans and their mate a guaranteed way in, with two double passes to the historic game up for grabs.
Watch Strauchanie’s quest for NFL glory @CarltonDry.
While AFL and NFL traditionally take place on opposite sides of the globe, Carlton Dry believes the feeling, mateship and passion across both codes are much the same. For Strauchanie, however, the similarities go much further.
After his AFL career didn’t quite reach the heights he expected, Australia’s self-appointed footy superstar has decided the NFL could finally be his opportunity to make it to the big league. With the confidence of a seasoned professional and the ability of, well, Strauchanie, he is determined to prove that making the switch is easier than everyone thinks.
Strauchanie’s journey will see him attempt to master the world of NFL, putting his skills to the test and building what he believes will be Australia’s greatest NFL highlight reel along the way. Unfortunately, for everyone involved, he is also the star of it.
“I’ve always said I was good enough to play at the highest level, it just so happens the AFL couldn’t see it,” said Strauchanie.
“But now the NFL is bringing a game to Australia and I thought, why not me? There’s still a ball, there’s still kicking, it’s still footy, I’ll still be a natural. It’s obvious the four competition winners will enjoy my performance more than the other players, so I don’t even need to say it.
“Also, I’m backed by the beer made for footy, Carlton Dry, so I reckon I’m a shoo-in.”
His unlikely pursuit is at the heart of Carlton Dry’s It’s Still Footy campaign, which celebrates the common ground between AFL and NFL fans in the historic game between the 49ers and the Rams.
It’s Still Footy marks the NFL’s first-ever regular season game in Australia by celebrating the traditions that make footy special, from the pre-game catch-up and friendly rivalry to the post-game debrief and more – no matter which code you follow. Because after all, It's Still Footy.
Jessica Johnson, Marketing Manager at Carlton Dry said the NFL Melbourne game presented the perfect opportunity to celebrate Australia’s love of footy in a distinctly Carlton Dry way.
“When our old mate Strauchanie got wind of the new partnership, he was immediately on the phone asking to meet some of the NFL bigwigs.
“Carlton Dry has always brought people together before, during and after the siren, so we were happy to help.
“As the beer made for footy, it’s only right we’re partnering with the NFL in Australia to be part of their first regular season game. Playing it at the MCG is particularly special because it’s the home of big games and where footy legends are made.
"Being able to back the ultimate Aussie battler in Strauchanie, while giving four true footy fans the opportunity to be part of this historic moment, was a natural fit.”
Charlotte Offord, NFL General Manager – Australia and New Zealand echoed Johnson’s comments:
"We've had a lot of fun watching Strauchanie discover the NFL, and while we'll never ask him to forget where he came from, we're confident there's room in his heart for more than one footy code”.
“We're also thrilled to be working alongside Carlton Dry, a brand that shares our passion for bringing fans together through sport. As we prepare for the NFL's historic first-ever regular season game in Australia, having a partner with such a strong connection to footy culture helps us engage fans in a uniquely Australian way”.
To enter the It’s Still Footy competition, footy fans need to share in 25 words or less, which AFL player would do best in the NFL, and why? Because whilst its likely not Strauchanie, there is certainly a player out there who could make it in both codes.
The campaign will culminate on game day, with Carlton Dry activating in Yarra Park outside of the MCG through the Carlton Dry Pub, giving fans heading to the game a distinctly Australian place to come together from 7am, before the action begins.
For those not at the game, Australians across the country can get together and raise a Carlton Dry to footy of all codes at home or at their local pub.
