The Western Bulldogs today announced a net operating loss of $136,679 for year ending 31 October 2012.
Western Bulldogs Chief Executive Simon Garlick said the result reflected a challenging year on the field for the Dogs which had seen a downturn in commercial takings including in membership and match returns.
View the Western Bulldogs 2012 Financial Report.
“While we are disappointed by the result, especially coming off the back of a record five consecutive profits, we have worked hard to minimise this loss while further reducing the Club’s debt,” Garlick said.
“Despite the downturn we have been able to reduce our bank debt by a further $594,000 this financial year — resulting in a total reduction of $1.4 million over the past two years.
“In a further positive for the Club we have delivered a $1.2 million boost to our football department in the last 12 months - providing our players with access to the best possible coaches and state of the art facilities.
“In the last year alone we have funded ten new full-time positions in footy and made significant investments in capital expenditure,” Garlick said.
Garlick also pointed to the Club’s comprehensive strategy, backed by the AFL, which aims to grow the Club’s membership base and commercial opportunities by leveraging the growth of Melbourne’s Western Region - the Bulldog’s heartland.
“While it was a disappointing year for the team in 2012 - we are confident that we can take the strides needed next year to further secure our future success - both on and off the field.
“We thank the lifeblood of our club, our members and fans, for its support in 2012 but urge them to join Our Heartland in 2013 as we build on what was a critical development year for the Club,” Garlick said.
“There is something happening out West - and we want all our members to be a part of it in 2013 and beyond,” Garlick said.
In exciting news ahead for the Bulldogs - it is expected that Peter Gordon will be announced as the next Club President at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held next month
To view the Western Bulldogs 2012 Financial Report, click here.
