Members have backed their SANFL clubs as they confront the financial challenge caused by the coronavirus
SANFL clubs face an imposing battle for financial survival and their members and fans have rallied to the cause with terrific support.
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Members have thrown their support behind the SANFL clubs as they bunker down for the challenging financial battle in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.
There have been no requests for membership cancellation, despite the season being put on hold until at least May 31 and the eight clubs’ forced to shut the doors on their licenced premises.
In fact, the clubs have been encouraged by the response to the serious predicament as fans rally to ensure their survival.
Most clubs were releasing videos seeking support and West Adelaide chief executive Ben Hopkins said people had been upgrading their membership and doing what they could to help the club.
Woodville-West Torrens and Norwood have had former members rejoin and new Glenelg chief executive Nathan Godfrey said the response to fundraising initiatives had been incredible.
The Tigers have already sold 33 dozen 2019 premiership wines, while their year book has proved a huge winner.
“The responses and messages we are getting is incredible,” Godfrey said. “People really care.”
The Redlegs are offering a Fortis in Procella merchandise range, promoted by the club as a supporter badge of honour for their backing when it was needed most.
A statement on the Redlegs’ website said: “Unprecedented challenges often require unprecedented solutions and the Norwood Football Club is also doing something we have never done in our 141-year history”.
Redlegs chief executive James Fantasia said the uptake had been really, really pleasing and people had been terrific.
North Adelaide, which now has no income from its two licenced venues, as well as its Prospect Oval facility, has joined Central District and the Bloods in opening a fundraiser seeking donations.
Sturt was already ahead of last season in its membership count and the club has received “quite a few donations”.