Geelong Cats to hold exhibition in celebration of long-time Steve Sobey

Cats fans will be able to personally thank Steve Sobey – the man who filled the Half Cat suit for 24 years and more than 500 games – at a special exhibition next month.

Cats fans will be able to “personally thank” Steve Sobey – the man who filled the Half Cat suit for 24 years and more than 500 games – at a special exhibition next month.

In an email to members on Saturday, the Geelong Football Club announced that it would be holding the exhibition on March 17 in celebration of the man who has performed as the mascot since 1996.

Half Cat, Larni Fletcher and Elia Fletcher at a Cats open training session. Picture: Peter Ristevski.

“Join us while we thank Steve for his valued contribution to the club and look back at some of his finest moments as Half Cat,” the club said.

“Learn about the evolution of our loveable mascot across the club’s history at the launch of our official Half Cat exhibition.”

The move appears to be an attempt to help mend the relationship between the club and Mr Sobey following awkward circumstances surrounding his departure from the mascot role last year.

The Geelong Advertiser revealed in September that Mr Sobey was ‘delisted’ by the club in favour of a more acrobatic mascot as the club looks to pivot in a “new direction”.

After 24 years, Steve Sobey has been delisted as Half Cat. Picture: Glenn Ferguson

Following the announcement, more than 2800 people signed an online petition calling for the 500-gamer to get his gig back.

Mr Sobey said had “mixed emotions” heading into the exhibition, but hoped it would be a “good way for some closure and the next chapter”.

“The feedback I’ve gotten from the supporters is that they are grateful for what I’ve done – a lot of people still can’t believe I’m not going to be going it,” Mr Sobey said.

RELATED:SOBEY’S NEW VENTURE POST HALF-CAT

“I’m still disappointed it came to an end, but I’m grateful for a final opportunity to meet fans.

“It’s a good chance for me to say goodbye to people and thank them for the fun.”

Due to COVID-19 there are limited numbers for the event, to register your attendance, visit www.membership.geelongcats.com.au/register-your-attendance.

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Originally published as Geelong Cats to hold exhibition in celebration of long-time Steve Sobey