West Adelaide reveals year-long probe into missing $100,000

WEST Adelaide has been conducting a full internal review of the club's operations all season after the mysterious disappearance of more than $100,000.

WEST Adelaide has revealed it had been conducting a full internal review of the club's operations all season after the mysterious disappearance of more than $100,000.

The Bloods released a statement in response to the Sunday Mail's revelations that the club had tried to recoup the missing money without notifying the police.

President Richard Sykes did not return calls to The Advertiser and details of the review will remain secret until it is completed.

It is not known whether all of the missing money has been found or repaid, but West Adelaide's board said it was "confident of a significant surplus" when 2013 financial statements are done.

"The board of the West Adelaide Football Club will not be commenting on the matters raised in the article until the conclusion of a full internal review of the club's operations," the statement said.

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"This review has been ongoing for the majority of the 2013 season and any comments now, in the board's opinion would be premature.

"With certain sensitivities surrounding this matter, the board wishes to assure all stakeholders that it will continue to act in the club's best interests. At the conclusion of this internal review the club will be making further comment.

"The board further wishes to reassure all members and supporters of the club that we have collectively worked incredibly hard to turn around the financial situation of the club this year to ensure the viability of the club now and into the future.

"While the full financial statements for the 2013 year have not yet been completed we are confident of a significant surplus for the past financial year."

West Adelaide members have expressed frustration at the situation amid talk of a petition calling for a special general meeting and spill of the board.

The Bloods board is due to meet next Monday but a current financial member yesterday said he was aware of discussion among other members to present the 60 signatures required for the club to convene a special general meeting possibly before then.

The club would then have 28 days to hold the special meeting.

"But there's no point having a special AGM if there is no plan B in place, you've got to have this group of blokes ready to go (to replace the board)," said the Bloods member, who requested anonymity.

"There's been talk (about gathering the signatures) but as far as anyone taking it on themselves to do it ... not as yet but I don't see it will be far off."

The Bloods fan said the fact that fellow members had not been notified of the situation before Sunday's statement was "pathetic".

SANFL general manager Chris Davies returns from leave today and has been unable to be contacted for comment.