Carlton increased its year-on-year revenue by 23.3% from $46 million to $57 million and Football Department expenditure increased from $20.3 million to $21 million. The net profit result follows a loss of $683,799 last year.
Significantly, Carlton has reduced its debt by $1,000,000. The Club has now repaid $2.45 million of debt in the past three years.
Carlton CEO Greg Swann says the repayments are in line with the Club’s strategic plan to be clear of historical debt by the end of 2017.
“We’re very pleased to have been able to turn around a loss and produce a significant overall net profit in 2013, while staying on track to repay the Club’s historical debt,” Swann said.
“Membership reached record levels this year, while television ratings and match attendances were also improved.
“It shows that Carlton is in a healthy position both on and off the field and delivers the club a strong platform to celebrate the 150th anniversary in 2014.”
“We will work to engage and put our members at the centre of the celebration.”
Carlton President Stephen Kernahan lauded the turnaround and praised the work of everyone involved with the football club
“This is a great result for the club built on the passionate support of our members and corporate partners, strong leadership from our board and the dedicated administration staff who deliver week in, week out.” Kernahan said.
More than one million fans attended Carlton matches in 2013, including 94,690 at the Elimination Final at the MCG.
Television ratings had an overall increase, with Carlton rating the second highest in the AFL. The Blues enjoyed an average of 808,332 viewers per game in the regular season, and an average of 1,673,395 viewers in finals.
Carlton also achieved record membership in 2013, with 50,561 members; that’s up from 45,800 in 2012 and it’s the first time in the Club’s history it has exceeded 50,000 members.
Investment continued in the Carlton Football Community Fund, while the Club continued its commitment to strengthen society, schools and community football. Carlton engages more than 20,000 young people annually through the key Visy Enviromaniacs and multicultural programs, along with the new Youth Sport Ready and Responsible Gambling Awareness programs.
In 2014, the Carlton Football Club will be celebrating its 150th year. There will be a host of activities and events planned for fans to mark the special milestone.
