Brisbane Lions members have voted for stability with Chairman Bob Sharpless, Deputy Chairman Leigh Matthews and Director Mick Power returning to the Club’s Board after a member ballot  held over the past month.

The result of the ballot, overseen by independent returning officer, KPMG, was announced at tonight’s Annual General Meeting. Details of the vote as advised by KPMG were, in ballot paper order: Bob Sharpless 617 votes, Leigh Matthews 805 votes, Chris Raleigh  171 votes, Mick Power AM 729 votes, Julie Greenwood 114 votes.

Sharpless, who is now a member-elected Board member after coming onto the Board two years ago as an expertise Director, told the AGM that the Club had continued to make significant changes for the better.

“In the Football area we have seen continued changes to our playing list which over the last 2 years has seen 34 list changes.This is a massive regeneration of our playing group with young talent and experienced players who have chosen to come to the Lions,” said Sharpless.

“In support of the players we have made changes to the GM of Football, our strength and conditioning coach and our player welfare area. All of these changes have been made to improve team performance and whilst success is not guaranteed, without the significant changes, a lack of success is.

“I wanted to particularly acknowledge the efforts of Deputy Chairman Leigh Matthews, Senior Coach Justin Leppitsch and CEO Greg Swann in driving these changes. Change in any organisation is never easy but I congratulate them on making it happen with a minimum of fuss.

“Secondly, I wanted to congratulate the Members for their loyalty to the Club. Membership in 2015 was 25,408 and this is the highest level since 2010. Particularly pleasing was the increase in our Victorian Membership which was up 16%.

“Thirdly, I wanted to congratulate CEO Greg Swann and his team for a very much improved financial result. An extra $3 million revenue needed to be generated and this was achieved. Football spending was up. Costs have been well contained in all non-football areas,  and the financial result is a very significant improvement on last year.

“Finally, I would like to thank all Board Members  for their contribution and assistance throughout the year, the Club Patron John Pearce for his continued support, and our No 1 Ticket Holders  Spencer Grammer and Mel Wright.”