The Carlton Football Club has announced a $2.94million profit for the financial year ended 31 October 2007 – representing the first profit for the Group since 2003.
The Football Club result now incorporates the operations of the Social Club, which were transferred on 30 September, 2007.
“We’re very pleased with the Club’s off-field performance this year. The numbers clearly reflect a revival in the fortunes of the Carlton Football Club, as the on-field rebirth of the Blues gathers momentum,” Carlton CEO Mr Greg Swann said.
“That the Club recorded a profit in the region of $3million is testimony to the efforts of many.
“The Carlton Football Club has now worked itself into a position where it is able to consolidate. We’re progressively resourcing vital areas of our Club’s operations, not the least of which is our Football Operations Department.
“The sense of excitement amongst our Members, Supporters and Sponsors who are to be commended for believing in the famous dark Navy Blue brand, is building.
“However, this is merely the first positive step on the road to eradicating the Club’s remaining debt.
“Accordingly, we call on all of our supporters to rally to the cause as never before, so that we not only eclipse this year’s record Membership of 35,431, but endeavour to become the No.1 Victorian Club next year in terms of membership.
“We thank the Members who backed us this year, particularly our joint major sponsors Optus & Dan Murphy’s for their continued support. Further, we welcome the return of Hyundai, the proud sponsor of this Club in its last premiership year of 1995.”
Mr Swann said that the Carlton Football Club, under the Presidency of Richard Pratt AC, had put in place a blueprint for the continued growth and success of the Club both on and off the field. He stressed that while much had been achieved in 2007, much was still to be done in building the platform to ensure sustainable on-field and off-field success.
He also pointed towards healthy returns in the key areas of Membership (an increase of 7000 on the previous year); Merchandise (gross sales exceeding $1.1million); Matchday attendances (where average home game attendances increased from 33,000 to 41,000); and the NAB Cup Pre-Season Premiership victory, which generated $200,000 in revenue.
