“This is disappointing but importantly we have made a number of important and tough decisions that impacted significantly on the 2012 financial position, but will benefit the Club on and off the field going forward,” Carlton CEO Greg Swann said.
“This is the first time in six years we have not had an operating profit and the turnaround is from two areas; match returns and termination payouts. With the coaching positions now finalised and with the ongoing support of Carlton people the Club expects to return to an operating profit in 2013.”
The on-field performances had a direct effect in the 2012 financial position, with Match Returns down by $410,000 due to a 9% drop in Carlton’s home game attendances compared to 2011.
The other major impact was the termination payments to various members of Carlton’s coaching staff. Importantly, the 2013 coaching panel is now less in number and as a result will be less cost to the Club.
While the financial result was disappointing the Club did continue to make debt repayments by a further $750,000 during the year, with the historical Club debt now below $6.5million.
“While it is a disappointing result there is every reason to be confident about 2013. Our early membership figures for next season are excellent and we expect the growth in this area to continue,” Swann said.
“While gate receipts were down in 2012 we did set a new membership record of 45,800, an increase of 4.5% on 2011.
“Adding to our confidence for the coming season was the television audiences during 2012. Carlton was also the second most watched team on television during the home and away season with a record average audience of 831,000 for every Carlton game.”
To download the Club's complete annual report for Season 2012, please click here.
The 148th Annual General Meeting of the Carlton Football Club will be held in the Yarra Room at the MCG on Monday December 17, at 6:00pm. All registered Members of the Club are welcome to attend the 2012 Annual General Meeting.
