Footy final fever is hotting up in Sydney this week and one brand has happily found itself in the centre of this excitement.

After signing on as a sponsor when the South Sydney Rabbitohs were languishing in the doldrums, the team at the De’Longhi Group’s Australian office have a right to feel satisfied that their loyalty is being rewarded with an appearance at the Grand Final on Sunday 5 October 2014, against the Canterbury Bulldogs.

“We are very proud and excited to see the Rabbitohs reach the NRL Grand Final,” said marketing manager Mark Nesci. “We have been a major sponsor since 2008 and for many of the De’Longhi employees who have been here during that time, it is especially exciting to see their steady rise to the top, and hopefully becoming premiers on Sunday night.”

Since becoming a sponsor and having the De’Longhi and Kenwood logos emblazoned on the front and backs of the famous cardinal and myrtle jersey, the Group has had to endure some barren times. Souths finished 14th in 2008, followed by 10th, 9th and 10th, before long-awaited finals appearances in 2012 and 2013. Those last two seasons fizzled out but on the back of dominating wins over Manly and the Sydney Roosters, Souths have finally made their first grand final in more than four decades.

To celebrate this achievement, Nesci said De’Longhi was involved in several consumer facing initiatives this week.

“We are supporting South’s Sydney activities, such as the Grand Final Luncheon on Friday 3 October 2104. Souths is also having a Grand Final day at Redfern Oval, where members can go to the ground and watch the game on a big screen. We will be supporting the team at that event with product giveaways.”

South Sydney members who are unable to make the match at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium in Homebush are invited to the club’s spiritual home, Redfern Oval, to watch the match on a big screen, Nesci said. The gates open at 1pm and a festive atmosphere is expected. The match kicks off at 7:15pm and the function will end shortly after the final siren.

Nesci said De’Longhi will also be using its social media platforms to promote the partnership, both with consumerrs and the trade.

“I am sure it will also be a constant point of discussion throughout the week with our retail partners.”

Fujitsu General is also a sponsor of the South Sydney Rabbitohs. We have contacted the Japanese air conditioner specialist to find out if it planning any activity around the Grand Final. Retailer Jaycar is a sponsor of the Canterbury Bulldogs; we have also contacted its media team to find out what it has planned.