Carlton Dry is partnering with the NFL ahead of its historic arrival in Melbourne on 11 September with a new campaign featuring self-appointed footy star Strauchanie.

Carlton Dry’s It’s Still Footy campaign sees the beer brand back Strauchanie in his unlikely bid to make the jump from AFL to NFL, attempting to secure his own place at the MCG between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams.

While AFL and NFL traditionally take place on opposite sides of the globe, Carlton Dry said it believes the feeling, mateship and passion across both codes are much the same. For Strauchanie, however, the similarities go much further.

After his AFL career didn’t quite reach the heights he expected, Strauchanie has decided the NFL could finally be his opportunity to make it to the big league.

Strauchanie’s journey will see him attempt to master the world of NFL, putting his skills to the test and building what he believes will be Australia’s greatest NFL highlight reel along the way. Unfortunately, for everyone involved, he is also the star of it.

“I’ve always said I was good enough to play at the highest level, it just so happens the AFL couldn’t see it,” said Strauchanie.

“But now the NFL is bringing a game to Australia and I thought, why not me? There’s still a ball, there’s still kicking, it’s still footy, I’ll still be a natural. It’s obvious the four competition winners will enjoy my performance more than the other players, so I don’t even need to say it.

“Also, I’m backed by the beer made for footy, Carlton Dry, so I reckon I’m a shoo-in.”

It’s Still Footy marks the NFL’s first-ever regular season game in Australia by celebrating the traditions that make footy special, from the pre-game catch-up and friendly rivalry to the post-game debrief and more – no matter which code you follow.

Jessica Johnson, Marketing Manager at Carlton Dry said the NFL Melbourne game presented the perfect opportunity to celebrate Australia’s love of footy in a distinctly Carlton Dry way.

“When our old mate Strauchanie got wind of the new partnership, he was immediately on the phone asking to meet some of the NFL bigwigs,” she said.

“Carlton Dry has always brought people together before, during and after the siren, so we were happy to help.

“As the beer made for footy, it’s only right we’re partnering with the NFL in Australia to be part of their first regular season game. Playing it at the MCG is particularly special because it’s the home of big games and where footy legends are made.

“Being able to back the ultimate Aussie battler in Strauchanie, while giving four true footy fans the opportunity to be part of this historic moment, was a natural fit.”

NFL General Manager – Australia and New Zealand Charlotte Offord said: “We’ve had a lot of fun watching Strauchanie discover the NFL, and while we’ll never ask him to forget where he came from, we’re confident there’s room in his heart for more than one footy code”.

“We’re also thrilled to be working alongside Carlton Dry, a brand that shares our passion for bringing fans together through sport. As we prepare for the NFL’s historic first-ever regular season game in Australia, having a partner with such a strong connection to footy culture helps us engage fans in a uniquely Australian way.”

Follow Strauchanie’s journey here.