FANS RALLY IN ATTEMPT TO SAVE HALF CAT:
GEELONG Cats are being urged to re-sign mascot man Steve Sobey, the long-running character inside its Half Cat suit. But the club is certain it wants to go in “a new direction”.
More than 2100 people signed an online petition at the weekend calling for the 500-gamer to get his gig back.
Club spokesman Kevin Diggerson said while Sobey was being moved on, Half Cat would continue to be a promotional face of the club, along with female counterpart Clawdia, a recent addition to prematch and social events.
“We will continue to engage with our supporters in many ways and Half Cat and Clawdia will continue to entertain them,” Diggerson said.
“While Steve served as the person in the Half Cat suit, we have a different vision for Half Cat, and the skill set required means we will be going in a new direction.
“We believe this will provide a better experience for the kids that love to interact with Half Cat and Clawdia, and we are excited about the direction that both mascots will take going forward.”
The Geelong Advertiser revealed on Saturday Sobey — who has donned the Half Cat suit for 24 years — will be replaced in favour of a more acrobatic mascot.
Petition organiser Kate Bear said she was respectfully appealing to the Geelong Football Club to consider reevaluating the decision and reinstating Half Cat.
“Whether it’s giving high fives running along the boundary line, posing for photos with the kids and even adults or entertaining antics on the field with opposition mascots, Half Cat is a staple favourite with the crowd,” the preamble to the petition reads.
“Off the field he suits up in the fur for the local community, visiting people with disabilities and also sick kids and their families going through tough times in the hospital, bringing joy and smiles to their faces.
“He has also donated his time to appear at birthday parties, weddings and other local community events to promote our great club.
“Steve Sobey cannot be replaced. No one else could create the same magic inside the Half Cat suit as Steve. He is a one of a kind supporter with outward love, passion and dedication for his role as the face of our club. He appeals to fans and has the perfect silent gestures and mannerisms that kids and adults adore and that make the cat suit come to life. Steve is and will always be Half Cat.”