Demons are a go- At the launch of the Casey Demons Supporter Group with Ron Barassi are, from

By Bridget Brady
FOOTBALL legend Ron Barassi says Melbourne Football Club’s 30-year agreement with the City of Casey is one of the club’s most historic deals.
Mr Barassi spoke of his excitement about the plan when he joined about 170 people at the launch of the Casey Demons Supporter Group in Cranbourne yesterday.
The group consists of MFC supporters who live in the municipality and are keen to interact with MFC players and officials and celebrate the club’s deal with Casey.
As part of the 30-year agreement, MFC players will use Casey Fields as a training facility and carry out a range of community partnership programs.
Casey Demons Supporter Group president Lisa Schreurs said she was delighted when she heard news of the deal.
“We are extremely fortunate to have a national football team in our midst,” Ms Schreurs said.
“The children of Casey will have a unique opportunity to watch their heroes train. It will increase community pride.”
Ms Schreurs said it took a lot of foresight and courage from those within the City of Casey who worked hard to secure the deal.
“I sincerely thank those people that made it possible.”
Mr Barassi, who is the MFC’s number one ticket holder, said Casey was an exciting place to be.
“The City of Casey is obviously going places. It’s going to be a marvellous place to be.”
MFC general manager of football operations Chris Connelly again reaffirmed the club’s “fair dinkum” commitment to the deal with Casey.
“We have world-class training facilities just outside Cranbourne. Casey is a fast-growing area and a great opportunity for MFC to come and help the community gel itself together,” Mr Connelly said.
“And it gives us an opportunity to increase our supporter base.”