The Carlton Football Club is pleased to announce an operating profit of $1.65 million for the financial year ended 31 October 2008.
In 2007 the Club announced an operating profit of $2.94 million, the first profit since 2003. The total club turnover to the end of October 2008 was $31 million, an increase of over 19% on the previous year.
Mr. Swann said it was a priority for the Club to reinvest into the business, in particular in the Football Operations Department to resource the players to ensure the continued development of the team.
“During 2008 our investment in this area increased by almost $2 million on staff, support facilities and equipment. Importantly this equipment will be used in the new facilities currently under construction at
“The record Club Membership in 2008 of 40,764 (up from 35,431 in 2007) provided an increase in membership net income of $883,000. We certainly thank our members for their continued support and providing the opportunity for
Other significant revenue increases came from match returns ($488,000) with average attendances increasing by over 7,000 to 48,589 in 2008. Commercial Operations revenue also increased through sponsorship and corporate hospitality by $688,000.
“The Total Player Payments allowed us to make significant pre-payments of 2009 contracts in the 2008 year, further highlighting the investment we are making in our Football Operations.
“It is pleasing to announce an operating profit, however like the improvement that the team displayed on the field during 2008, there is still much work to be done and it is important we continue to work diligently and have the support of our members and sponsors going forward. Both on and off the field we know it is going to be tough but we are determined to continue to grow the Carlton Football Club and to enjoy a successful future,” said Mr. Swann.
