By Ronny Lerner
Essendon have posted a strong financial result for 2021, recording a statutory profit of $8.2 million and becoming bank-debt free again.
The Bombers’ profit for this year is made up of $1.2 million generated from operations, and $7 million derived from grants and donations that were used to expand their Hangar facility in Tullamarine.
The Bombers have recorded an $8 million statutory profit for season 2021.Credit: AFL Photos
In time for Essendon’s 150-year celebrations next season, the Hangar now boasts dormitory accommodation for Australia’s para-athletes, members of Essendon’s next generation academy and associated community leagues, as well as new reception, cafe and retail areas, a sports museum and dedicated women’s football facilities. The Bombers are set to enter the AFLW in the 2022-23 season.
Essendon’s underlying cash profit from operations this year was $5 million.
Club CEO Xavier Campbell attributed the “strong outcome” after two COVID-impacted years to the Bombers’ “loyal member base”.
“This year, we experienced the largest aggregate growth in membership of any club in the AFL, reaching a total of 81,998, in what was truly a whole-of-club effort,” he said.
“I take this opportunity to again extend our sincere gratitude to our loyal members and fans who have been nothing but unwavering in their support for the club, particularly in trying circumstances over the past two years.
“We also wish to acknowledge those who have helped us get to this position including our staff who work tirelessly, our valued corporate and commercial partners, sponsors and other key stakeholders.
“We are well-positioned to grow further in the coming years and continue to strengthen the club’s financial position as we look towards significant investment into the master vision of Windy Hill and enhancement of our business and freehold assets there, as well as maximising the commercial opportunities at the Tullamarine precinct.
“Pleasingly, throughout the two impacted years of the pandemic, we were able to not only protect, but improve our commercial position.”
The Bombers defied pre-season expectations in 2021 to make a surprise finals appearance under rookie coach Ben Rutten after widely being tipped to be a bottom-four side.
However, they head into next season still aiming to break their 18-year stretch without a finals victory after the Bulldogs disposed of them in their elimination final in Tasmania.
Meanwhile, Greater Western Sydney have been hit by a second positive COVID-19 case in as many days, with the club confirming on Wednesday that one of their AFL players had contracted the virus.
On Tuesday, one of the Giants’ AFLW players, who like every player and staff member associated with their AFL and AFLW programs is fully vaccinated, also produced a positive test.
They’re just two of the latest COVID-19 cases from within the footy industry with Richmond premiership pair Dion Prestia and Noah Balta also testing positive this off-season, as well as Hawthorn youngster Finn Maginness.
Some AFLW players from Richmond, Carlton and the Western Bulldogs suffered the same fate in recent weeks, as did Essendon CEO Campbell.
In a statement, the Giants said they detected their latest positive case after implementing additional testing requirements for AFL players and staff ahead of their return to pre-season training next Monday. They also stressed the case was unrelated to their positive AFLW case.
GWS said the player would now follow NSW government and AFL health protocols and guidelines.
And the AFL has announced that its chief financial officer Travis Auld and general manager Sam Graham will spearhead the league’s assessment of the viability of a Tasmanian AFL team entering the competition.
Auld and Graham will work in conjunction with the Tasmanian government and the Tasmanian AFL licence taskforce.
“We are at a very important juncture in the continued assessment of modelling for a potential team in Tasmania and the announcement today reflects the importance it has within AFL head office,” AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said.
“Travis and Sam will lead our work, Travis having recently played a crucial leadership role in ensuring the last two AFL and AFLW seasons were successfully navigated throughout the COVID pandemic, and Sam, previously holding key leadership roles across game development and our growth in New South Wales, will solely focus on this project, ensuring we have a preferred position to take to the AFL club presidents next year.”
In August, the independent Carter Report said the case for a Tasmanian AFL team was strong, but that of the three options for a permanent, elite football presence on the Apple Isle – a standalone team, a relocated team or a “joint venture” involving a Victorian team splitting its games between Tasmania and Melbourne – a standalone 19th team was the least sustainable.
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