Dear Members
I am writing to inform you that this year’s financial results have been finalised.
Brisbane Lions AFC has incurred a net operating loss of $1,574,762 for the financial year, ending 31 October, 2013.
The Club generated a trading profit of $588,453 prior to depreciation and interest costs.
The key points of the Lions’ 2013 Financial Report are:
- Total Club turnover of $43.5 million
- Football department expenditure of $17.3 million
- Social Club turnover of $13.4 million
The result represents close to a $1 million improvement on the previous year as the Club moves through the second of a five-year strategic plan aimed at delivering long-term sustainable earnings and on-field success.
The improving financial position matched a strong finish to the year on the field which carried the team to 10 wins and within reach of finals, highlighted by six-straight wins at the Gabba including a thrilling last-kick win over powerhouse Geelong.
The signing of a new coach, Lions triple-premiership player Justin Leppitsch, and the strengthening of the Football department ranks with the appointment of former Hawthorn premiership player and senior coach Peter Schwab to a Head of Coaching & Development role, and recently-retired Lions midfield legend Simon Black as Assistant Coach, promises even better results in 2014. Former AFL players Mitch Hahn and Matthew Francis have also been appointed as development coaches.
The recruiting of a stellar group of young players in the 2013 Draft led by South Australian midfield star James Aish is another cause for optimism.
Aiding the Club’s position moving forward is a new, united Board. I am honoured to serve as Chairman, while football legend Leigh Matthews also joins the Board as Football Director, his intimate knowledge of the game and the Club sure to prove invaluable. Directors Angus Johnson, Paul Williams and Linda Nash have left the Board. Mr Johnson, who served for three years as Chairman, Mr Williams and Ms Nash should be thanked for their extensive contribution to the Lions and their efforts to set the Club towards improved financial and on?field success.
Issues around the Club’s playing guernsey, replacing the logo with the Fitzroy and Triple Premiership Lion as soon as is reasonably practicable, and granting Life Members the same rights and privileges as Full Members, will both be addressed at the Annual General Meeting on December 18.
With a united approach, the Club is committed to continuing its significant improvement both on and off the field. The AFL has recognised the importance of developing our young playing list and have provided funding to allow the expansion of coaching ranks and resourcing in the football department.
The AFL has been clear in stating its full support of our Club and the role it plays in a critical emerging market for the code. Along those lines, the equalisation model - which will provide a fairer distribution of funding across the competition’s clubs – is set to be finalised next year.
LIONS@springwood continues to be a financial success story. The venue now has 133,000 members which is a genuine reflection of its popularity. Through LIONS@springwood, the Club has donated $78,000 to the Logan Sports Development Fund which is distributed to sporting groups, clubs and individuals in two grant rounds per year.
The ongoing support of our members and corporate partners is critical to our Club’s financial health and our ability to achieve long-term objectives and we thank them for that support.
Early signs are extremely positive on 2014 membership levels, so I encourage all of our members and partners to BELIEVE. BELONG. It is an exciting time to be a part of the Brisbane Lions and together we can make great things happen at our great Club.
Go Lions.
Yours sincerely.
Bob Sharpless
Chairman – Brisbane Lions
