Membership drive: Frankston Dolphins are out to convert goodwill into memberships

In its second year back in the Victorian Football League, Frankston Football Club is out to boost its membership to 1500.

Frankston Football Club GM Gary Buckenara (second from right) with past players and officials Alan Wickes, Ken Jungwirth, Bryan Mace, Gary Buckenara and Mick O'Neil. Picture: Wayne Taylor

THERE was great support for Frankston Football Club in 2017 as it rallied to regain its VFL licence.

The Dolphins’ story — rising under a new committee after falling on to the financial scrapheap at the end of the 2016 season — captured the attention of football followers who otherwise had only a passing interest in the club and state league.

When their return was confirmed the cheering and clapping almost lifted the roof off the social club.

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A hefty increase in membership — in a year when Frankston played no games — helped convince AFL Victoria that the club had the support it needed to make another go of the VFL.

Now the Dolphins are out to turn more of the “goodwill’’ of the fight back into more memberships.

“The challenge ahead for all of us is to ensure we can consolidate the club financially into the future,’’ general manager Gary Buckenara said.

“We need everyone to understand, yes, we were back in 2018 but the hard work can never stop year to year, as we build on the foundations we laid back in 2017 to ensure the club is never in a position again of losing its playing licence. That will require the support of members and sponsors to continue to think about how (they) can help our club not only survive but to thrive into the future.’’

Frankston had 1200 members last year. This year it is targeting 1500 and down the road 2000.

Unlike three of the other stand-alone VFL clubs, the Dolphins do not bring in money from gaming machines.

They rely on sponsorships, memberships and events at their Functions by the Bay social club.

Buckenara said the total value of membership exceeded a major sponsorship.

He said its growth would “propel us into an area where we could put more budgeted dollars into football programs and community programs’’.

“At the moment the things we’d like to be able to do and the things we’d like to be able to spend in footy and community, we’re limited with our budgets.

“Everyone thinks the Dolphins are back and they’re safe. Unfortunately until we get the business growing, that’s not the case.

“We don’t pay the full salary cap like Williamstown and have all the coaching extras and benefits that they have the financial means to bring in.

“That’s where we’re at. We’ve got to be responsible with our spending. We can only spend what we raise.’’

Frankston Bombers and Mt Eliza will play a curtain-raiser to the Frankston-Port Melbourne clash on the Queen’s Birthday weekend. Picture: AAP/ Chris Eastman

Buckenara said new lights to be installed this year opened up the potential for VFL and MPNFL night matches and the club was also determined to build close ties with local clubs.

This year Frankston Bombers and Mt Eliza will play a curtain-raiser to the Frankston and Port Melbourne match on the Queen’s Birthday weekend.

Double-headers are likely to become a regular part of Frankston’s fixtures.

Buckenara said the Dolphins were also out to “reconnect with our past’’ and involve more past players and officials.

“All the elements we’re working on, hopefully that’s the blueprint to see the club really grow and prosper into the future,’’ he said.

“We think the future’s good. We want to be in a position in a few years where we are paying the full salary cap and have all the coaches and give the players fantastic facilities and create a really strong club on and off the field.’’ The Dolphins have organised a community family day at SkyBus Stadium for next Saturday, March 2 from 11am to 3.30pm.

There will be a VFL intraclub match, a jumper presentation to the 2019 players, a game between the Frankston Past Players and Officials and the Frankston Tigersharks, face painting and a jumping castle.

Memberships and merchandise will be available.

Adult membership is $70 (concession $50).

Go to the club website