Getting super revved with Dermott Brereton

‘It certainly wasn’t my typical day at work!’ said Tim.

Tim, who spends most of his time planning and running in-person and online super seminars, was thrilled to spend a day with Dermott filming a special Spirit Super segment for TV show Cool Cars with Dermott & Elise.

The free-to-air program, which aired on Australia’s 7MATE from March to May 2023, features Dermott and co-host Elise Elliott celebrating Australia’s love affair with cars. From classic, muscle and custom-built machines to mint-condition vehicles straight off the assembly line, if it has keys, the Cool Cars team will drive it. 

As a lifelong Hawks fan, Tim said working with Dermott was an absolute blast.

‘I was a kid when Dermie was playing, so some of my earliest footy memories are of him and Jason Dunstall and John Platten and Michael Tuck and Chris Langford. They were the players that made me fall in love with the club.’

Despite fond childhood memories, Tim admits there was a bit of trepidation meeting the former footy star turned TV host.

‘Let’s be honest, Dermie was a real tough nut on the field! He lined a few people up and took a few down. Thankfully, he was very down to earth and easy-going on set — the kind of guy I’d feel comfortable going out and having a beer with.’

While spending time with a bona fide footy legend was a treat, Tim said filming the segment was an important avenue for reminding members to engage with their super more often. And with many Spirit Super members working in the automotive industry, a TV show aimed at passionate car enthusiasts was the perfect place to start.

‘Most people know they have super, but not enough get the most out of it,’ said Tim.

‘The more engaged people are with their super — even if it’s just doing one or two small things each year — the more chance they have of securing significantly better outcomes in retirement. Ultimately this means living a better lifestyle down the track. That’s why we’re keen to go where our members are to spread the word.’

Tim only had one complaint when asked if there was anything he’d change about his first TV appearance.

‘I would have liked to drive the car!’ he said, referencing the classic 1968 RSS SS Camaro featured in the segment.

‘It actually belongs to my old neighbour, and I know how much he loves it and cares for it. So, I’m a bit jealous that Dermie was allowed behind the wheel while I had to wait at the garage!’

The Spirit Super segment of Cool Cars aired on Thursday 11 May (with a repeat on Saturday 13 May).

For more Cool Cars with Dermott & Elise, go to coolcars.tv.