Sydney pub sporting mystery solved: Aussie sporting legends combine for new advert

What happens when a Melbourne Cup-Winning jockey, a UFC legend and an NRL star walk into a bar? The mystery has been solved with 20 of Australia’s most prominent sporting legends fronting a surprise television ad.

The mystery is solved.

It has been a month since The Daily Telegraph snapped Grand Slam winner Ash Barty, Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Damien Oliver, Socceroo legend John Aloisi and UFC Featherweight Champ Alexander Volkanovski out the front of the unassuming Nelson Hotel in Bondi Junction.

Now, we can reveal the four sports stars are part of a group of 20 icons to shoot a blockbuster TV ad to launch Kia’s new ute to the market that premiered US Superbowl style as part of the NRL’s games in Las Vegas.

Alexander Volkanovski as he appears in the new TV ad.

“I’ve met most of the people in the ad before; but what I’m impressed about is the combination of the younger, current athletes and some of the sporting legends and everyone coming together,” Paralympic sporting legend Dylan Alcott said. “It’s a cool concept and it’s a bit of fun. I can’t believe we’re all in the one spot, in the same room. It’s pretty sick.”

The ad was shot over three days with current and retired sporting greats involved.

Brisbane Broncos Captain Adam Reynolds, four-time NRL premiership winner Alfie Langer, AFL great Buddy Franklin and champion sailer Jess Watson are also involved.

Dylan Alcott pictured.

“It’s interesting being in the legends category. I think that means it’s time to admit that I am old. I’m not a 16 year old anymore,” Watson said. “It’s a great celebration of Australian culture and it’s great that I am a part of it. They’re all legends here and it’s a pinch yourself moment that I get to hang out with these people who are at the top of their fields and they have done such incredible things in Australian culture.”

Pictured is former Socceroo John Aloisi at The Nelson Hotel in Bondi Junction where he and other sports stars are filming an advertisement. Picture: Richard Dobson

Mark Occhilupo as he appears in the ad.

From a car perspective, Kia’s move into the space is significant in that the brand has not released a ute before. Ute’s make up the three highest selling vehicles in Australia currently.

Jessica Watson.

Others involved in the campaign include Mark Occhilupo, Dermott Brereton, Darren Lockyer, Brianna Clark, Wendell Sailor, Kerry O’Keeffe, Patrick Carrigan, Scott Sattler and Steve Waugh.

Current Matildas goalkeeper MacKenzie Arnold appears, as does former professional cricketer David Boon.

“It’s been amazing to see all the guys and girls that I’ve seen on the telly before, some that I’ve known, and caught up with, and some other people I haven’t seen in years gone by,” Boon said. “So it’s been a wonderful time.”

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