The end of 2016 provides us an opportunity to reflect on the past year, and to anticipate the 2017 season.
Recently, the Club announced a positive financial turnaround of $2million. A challenging fixture resulted in reduced attendances and gate receipts. A tremendous amount of work went into increasing corporate partnerships, hospitality and commercial revenues to ensure a strong result. A focus on controlling expenses, and increasing non-traditional revenue streams (which would not be influenced by on-field performances) generated strong revenue, and we have committed to building on this throughout 2017.
The AFL’s new Club financial distribution model will provide us assistance and will help us to realise the strategic plan for the future of our Club. The significant figure obtained by the AFL through the new broadcast rights agreement will guarantee the continued development and growth of the game.
There are clearly many stakeholders making a case for increased funding. We are watching the collective bargaining agreement negotiations between the AFLPA and AFL with a keen interest. We support our players receiving a fair outcome from the new broadcast rights. It is important that the AFL balance the allocation of the funds between players, development of the game, stadium, the needs of the 18 AFL Clubs, and, of course, the needs of the fans, to preserve the long term future of the game.
I was pleased to welcome over 400 members to our annual Members Forum. We encouraged those in attendance to ask any questions they had, and we certainly covered a lot of ground. The future of our home base, Ikon Park, was one key area of discussion.
Although the benefit of a boutique stadium servicing AFL games in Melbourne is still up for debate, the AFL’s purchase of Etihad Stadium has made their plans for the future of home and away venues clearer.
I commend the AFL for bringing the asset into the industry, and we look forward to collaborating with them to considerably improve the venue for members, supporters and corporates. We will also be working diligently to ensure a better financial return for our Club.
With a focus on the upgrade of Etihad Stadium, we must be realistic in understanding that a return of premiership season games at Ikon Park is not a priority for the AFL. However, we will continue discussions with them, and will continue to develop our strategy for the future requirements of the Club and a master plan for Ikon Park.
In season 2016 we won seven games, three more than the previous year. We had 11 players debut for the Blues, all of who showed great promise. Including this most recent draft and trade period, we have now made 27 changes to our list.
Off-field, we enjoyed an increase in membership (6%), in member connectivity (24%) and in all of our digital/social media metrics. We also made tremendous strides in our leadership in gender equality and inclusion – including the creation of CARLTON RESPECTS and the acquisition of an AFLW licence. We look forward to the inaugural game against Collingwood on February 3 next year.
All in all, we reflect very positively on the year as one of progress and of real unity throughout the Club.
I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of our loyal members, our corporate partners and sponsors and everyone who has made a positive contribution this year to our progress. We will continue to set strong foundations for success.
On behalf of everyone at Ikon Park, my very best wishes to you and your family for a safe and happy festive season and a most prosperous new year.
See you in 2017.
GO BLUES!
Yours sincerely,
Mark LoGiudice
President, Carlton FC Member ID: 12010170
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