GEELONG Region Football Committee (GRFC) Chairperson Jo Plummer is one of three high profile business identities who have been appointed to a special Advisory Board for the Geelong A-League bid consortium, under the working title of Victoria Patriots FC.

In an official press release, sent out earlier today, the Patriots FC leadership stated it was proud to “announce the establishment of an advisory board made up of three prominent and experienced individuals, all with deep roots in football”.

The three board members (GRFC Chairperson Joanne Plummer, leading international Stadium operator Paul Seargent and well respected Melbourne businessman Maurice Bisetto) will provide valuable insight and vision to the bidding process, something Club founder and lead spokesperson for the Victoria Patriots bid Steve Horvat says is a real plus.

“To have three quality individuals like Joanne, Paul and Maurice as part of our bid is a major triumph for us,” said Horvat. “We are not just putting together a bid; we are building a club.”

According to Horvat, all three members of this advisory board bring incredible experience in business development, financial and stadium operation expertise.

“Just as importantly, these are people with football firmly imprinted in their DNA. They live and breathe it and they want what’s best for our club and for the game. These are fundamental core values that everyone in this club will uphold.”

“We will be adding some more exciting names to our club as time goes by, as well as releasing more information about our bid. It’s safe to say, however, that the feedback we are getting from fans across the region is fantastic. We have received suggested names, colours, club badge and uniforms designs, some of which are truly amazing.”

GRFC Chairperson Joanne Plummer, who is also part owner and Executive Director of Global Sales of Business in Heels International - a women’s networking organisation with over 40 branches across seven countries - as well as Chairperson of the Board at Barwon Water, is excited about the direction football is taking in Geelong.

"I have been involved in football as a supporter, player, 'WAG', mother, coach and administrator for the most of my life. Whilst I love the game, the impetus for my involvement comes from understanding the outstanding community and business prosperity that an A-League franchise would bring to the Western Victorian region,” Ms Plummer said.

“Football has the capacity to unite, embrace and include our rapidly growing and diverse community.... kids, families, business, government, FFA, etc.

“In my eyes, everyone is a winner and that's what makes for a prosperous community," concluded Jo Plummer.