Western Bulldogs’ in strongest financial position in more than 40 years

AFTER decades of pain, the Western Bulldogs have ridden a premiership wave of record membership, surging revenue and a move to Ballarat to achieve their best financial position in more than 40 years.

The Western Bulldogs are back in black after 40 years.

WESTERN Bulldogs are trumpeting their first net debt position in more than four decades.

The Dogs yesterday declared a profit of $1.63 million for 2017 — their third consecutive $1m result.

Total club debt was as high as $9.75 million just two years ago but has fallen to about $3 million thanks to surging membership and commercial revenues.

The club has another $3.5 million cash in the bank.

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The Western Bulldogs are back in black after 40 years.

“We are unable to recall the last time the club was in a position of having nil net debt. It is at least forty years. So that’s extremely satisfying,” outgoing Bulldogs chief Gary Kent said.

“The investment for growth has enabled the club to expand operations in Ballarat and provide for additional resources for marketing, membership services, commercial operations and our community programs.”

Football expenditure increased by $2.8 million to $25 million off the back of last year’s drought-breaking premiership.

A record 47,709 members signed on in 2017 — up 19 per cent.

Former St Kilda chief operating officer Ameet Baines takes over from Kent on Monday.