KFC, Ron and The Saints

KFC sponsors a variety of sporting competitions and clubs including the Dowling Shield Cricket, the under 18 GFL competition and the St Mary's Football and Netball Club. The Hosking family own and operate the six KFC stores in the Geelong and Colac region. It all started 13 years ago when the Hosking's sold the family farm in Lismore. The move to Geelong bought with it a new line of work, and a change, from sheep to chickens. Parents Ron and Bronwyn opened up the very first 'Ollies Trollies' in Newcomb, a second store followed shortly after in Grovedale. They operated Ollies for two years, after which, KFC took over the Ollies name and the stores were transformed into the KFC franchises.

Another four stores were developed after Newcomb, Colac in 1994, Belmont and North Geelong in 1997 then Corio in 1999. Last year saw the closing of one of Geelong's landmarks, the North Geelong KFC, one of the first in Australia. It was relocated to the City centre.

The City store had planned to be open earlier than last November but building and planning permits meant the Hosking's had a frustrating wait on their hands. However, since the grand opening, the Geelong store has enjoyed remarkable success with busy Geelong shoppers. It has also become a favourite among many of the St Mary's boys', especially early Sunday mornings. At 57, there is no more passionate supporter of football than the head 'chicken cook'. Ron started his own football career back at the grass roots of football, in the small country town, Lismore. He started playing in 1958 where his enthusiasm and talent for the game were obvious from the outset. It wasn't long until he was discovered and in 1963, Ron found himself in the 'big smoke', playing for Cats.

In what was a dream start for the country boy, Ron found himself being a part of what few players could imagine consecutive Premierships in 1963 and 1964 for the reserves. Ron went onto play 70 senior games for the Cats until he finished his career in 1968. During this time the team played finals every year including the 1967 grand final where he experienced every footballers worst nightmare, missing out because of an injured knee. After finishing up his VFL career with Geelong Ron went back to Lismore to coach his beloved team. Nothing could prepare him for the heartache he experienced in coaching Lismore, five consecutive grand final defeats. After coming to St Mary's in 1988 to follow Scotts' career, his eldest son, Ron has had a long association with the club of which he is now Vice President and Football Director. KFC has been support the Saints for more than eight years, and the amount of time, energy and money put into the club by Ron and his family is appreciated by all those involved with St Mary's.