Re-investment in the Club's football department was certainly deemed necessary. The AFL’s 2005 Club Benchmarking Study showed that we ranked the lowest of all clubs' football department expenditure (excluding player payments).
The Board has previously communicated to members the fact that comprehensive plans were established at the conclusion of the 2004 financial year. This year's financial result reaffirms the Board and management's commitment to this plan, and the finance and governance principles that were established to support our operations.
Importantly, the results achieved over the past two years, particularly in 2006, have afforded the club the stability to commence planning over an extended term. Examples of this are documented elsewhere within this publication, and include plans for further redevelopment of our Punt Road Oval base.
Furthermore, on a micro level, we continue work closely with the AFL, other Clubs, sponsors, and other key stakeholders, to identify innovative solutions to assist all aspects of our operations.
While the 2006 financial result is particularly pleasing, our current levels of debt certainly allow no room for complacency. Plans have been established to significantly reduce our debt over the next five years.
The principle of conservative budgeting has again been reflected in the Club's financial plans for 2007. The Club's 2007 budget targets a lower profit than that achieved in 2006 as a result of the continued application of the following conservative parameters:
* Reducing our forecast match attendances from 2006 despite improving on-field results;
* No prize-money or bonus revenue;
* No increase in membership;
* No growth beyond CPI adjustments in key corporate revenues such as sponsorship, corporate hospitality, coteries, etc.
Obviously, the Club's Board, management and staff will be striving for improvements across all areas of the business to hopefully exceed our targeted levels of debt repayment and further re-invest in the business.
THE FUTURE
The 2006 record profit is obviously an excellent result for the Club. Everyone associated with the Club, including members, sponsors, donors, etc, should be very proud. The size of the profit and the financial improvement over a two year period has significantly improved the Club's Balance Sheet and sets the stage for a period of sustained financial stability.
However, the Club's Board and management are acutely aware that we are only part way through a long term plan to ensure the future prosperity of the Club. Accordingly, we will be resolute in ensuring that the foundations that have now been established, will result in significant repayment of debt in coming years.
Garry Cameron
Treasurer