TAC Cup Partnership Extended for Three Years

10 Sep 2012

MEDIA RELEASE: 10 September 2012

One of Australia's longest running sporting partnerships has been boosted with a new three-year agreement.

Celebrating its 21st year, the TAC Cup is Australia's premier AFL competition for Under 18s and is a joint partnership between the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and AFL Victoria.

TAC CEO Janet Dore announced the three-year extension of the partnership at last night's Morrish Medal, which was won by Nick Graham from the Gippsland Power.

"For more than two decades the TAC Cup has provided an opportunity for the TAC to send a message to young male drivers about the importance of looking after your mates on and off the field," Ms Dore said.

"We are proud to be associated with this competition that we know really makes a difference to the number of young people killed and seriously injured on our roads."

AFL Victoria's TAC Cup competition was this year re-branded to the message "Speed Hurts" - a change that is in line with the TAC's goal of making speeding socially unacceptable.

TAC CEO Janet Dore said speed remained one of the biggest killers on Victorian roads, with about 30 per cent of all fatal collisions having speed as a major contributing factor.

"This partnership is not just about football, it supports a broader program that aims to develop and educate young players and prepare them for life on and off the field," Ms Dore said.

"It provides the TAC with a direct path into the lives of young Victorian men in a bid to help shape their attitudes to road safety."

AFL Victoria General Manager Grant Williams welcomed the continued support from the TAC.

"It is fantastic to have such a supportive partner in the TAC who have been involved with the competition since its inception in 1992 and have now committed to another three years.

"The partnership supports a broader program that aims to develop and educate young players and prepare them for life on and off the field," Mr Williams said.