Footy and beer go hand in hand – it’s the ultimate Australian combination. Partnering with Essendon Football Club, Colonial Brewing Co have become the first Australian craft brewery to enter the AFL world as the Official Beer and Cider partner for Season 2017.

Essendon’s CEO, Xavier Campbell, said “We are proud to partner with Colonial Brewing Co. The new partnership will deliver our members, supporters and clients a wonderful choice of fine craft beers and cider at Essendon home games and functions. Colonial Brewing Co is a small operation run by an energetic and passionate team who deliver a fantastic line-up of beverages, all brewed locally here in Melbourne.”

The partnership demonstrates the growing demand for craft beer and cider in the market, and celebrates the shifts in the Australian beer market.

National General Manager of CBCO Lawrence Dowd mentions “We are extremely proud to be one of the first craft breweries to partner with an AFL Club. It’s a unique partnership that we are excited to celebrate on behalf of craft beer in Australia. We are an Australian owned and run brewery operating out of Port Melbourne and Margaret River with a small brewing team on the ground. This sponsorship allows us to champion our Australian product with one of the most iconic sporting clubs in the game.”

Colonial Brewing Co would also like to welcome their new Brand Ambassador to the Colonial Team, Tom Bellchambers. Tom’s passion for craft beer developed during a year off from football in 2016. Traveling the world exposed him to new cultures, new experiences and new brews, which lead him to knocking on the door of his local brewery.

As a key member of the Essendon Football Club line-up, Tom is excited to swap his Essendon jumper for a CBCo t-shirt in his spare time and to focus on his passion away from the football oval.

“As a Port Melbourne boy, it was important for me to be associated with my local community and help grow a business in my backyard. Colonial is such a fun, ambitious, young-at-heart brand with a great local presence.”

Following a knee injury, Tom is playing his first game for Essendon FC against Melbourne FC this weekend.