View Full Version : Melbourne's Finances
Hey just wondering how we are travelling financially if anyone has some figures.. Are we in any debt?
Would hate to see the AFL eye off us next after the Kangas
The Great Gabsby
1 Nov 2007, 19:10
We made a profit this year, but it wasn't much, I think it was in the order of 100k.
What killed us was injuries this year. They cost us an extra 300k in player payments.
dutchy12
1 Nov 2007, 19:15
Even though we are clearly not as strong as some other clusb and are down below with the likes of the bulldogs and kangas I don't think we'll ever be up for relocation.\
Our history is simply too important to the AFL. In the Grand Final record book this year an AFL produced magaizne it rated the top 10 moments in AFL history. You can guess what was number 1! Yep it the creation of us.
master bate
1 Nov 2007, 19:20
Yeah I think we made about 100k, but with a strong season and less injuries we could have made 800k, we need to get over the 1mil mark so we really are making a profit once you subtract the competitive balance fund money.
Yeah I think we made about 100k, but with a strong season and less injuries we could have made 800k, we need to get over the 1mil mark so we really are making a profit once you subtract the competitive balance fund money.
Correct. Our club must rid itself of the need to access the competive balance fund and stand on it's own two feet once again.
If we cannot be a profitable business with the CBF then our club will be in the firing line in the years ahead.
Remember it is now 11 years since Fitzroy merged (died) with Brisbane.
After North who will be next in 10 yrs time.
Melbourne must be profitable. Melbourne is our club but the club is a business whether we like it or not as the North fans are finding out for themselves.Lose money and you are in trouble. Big trouble.
Thank God the Hawks knocked the merger on its head back in 1996.
We came close. It must never happen again.
Go Dees!
Deenamite
1 Nov 2007, 20:47
Correct. Our club must rid itself of the need to access the competive balance fund and stand on it's own two feet once again.
If we cannot be a profitable business with the CBF then our club will be in the firing line in the years ahead.
Remember it is now 11 years since Fitzroy merged (died) with Brisbane.
After North who will be next in 10 yrs time.
Melbourne must be profitable. Melbourne is our club but the club is a business whether we like it or not as the North fans are finding out for themselves.Lose money and you are in trouble. Big trouble.
Thank God the Hawks knocked the merger on its head back in 1996.
We came close. It must never happen again.
Go Dees!
Well said Obbie. :thumbsu: I think this will turn into quite a good thread where we can really discuss the off-field future of our club.
Firstly, we need to be successful on-field. As we have many bandwagoner suppoerters it is esential we dont give them reasons to jump ship. The members need to recommit to the club.
Secondly, we need to be at the fore-front of business innovation and ideas to ensure we cover for low membership and crowd numbers. We need to be a marketable club and an attractive business. The MelbourneFC brand needs to be developed and already has through the new logo. Exposure's a key issue to ensure we don't become the forgotten club nor we just survive because we are Melbourne. In years to come we need to be freshly marketed through exciteing and promising players, hopefully the likes of Bate, Davey and Brock.
Yes, we are Melbourne, but for us to rely on that to survive would be detrimental, as we need to develop other means of prosperity.
Hopefully we can get some sponsers from China.. Essendon has done very well out of their relationship with Japan
Wolfmother
2 Nov 2007, 00:23
I always thought the CBF wasn't a hand out like everyone makes out...
yes it is given to the clubs that are struggling but I thought it was compensation from the AFL for the fixture being based on attendance etc etc...
If we didn't receive it.... the AFL would have to make the draw, tv rights etc etc fair. That means that interstate wouldn't play each other twice every year or Ess v Coll. every year.... Anzac day and Queens B'Day couldn't be hogged by set clubs.
I would prefer not to receive the funds, so I don't have to listen to the powerfully clubs saying we fund you:mad: but they have to realise that if the smaller clubs didn't get it they would lose prime position on fixtures and free to air....
Hopefully in the next few years with the facilities moving to yarra park we can start posting 300K-500K profits which turn to 1.5mil with the CBF, which is would be closer to our profit if everything in the AFL was equal.;)
Problem is.. correct me if im wrong, but receiving the CBF means we HAVE to only pay 92.5?% of the cap, puts us 1-2 quality players behind the other sides.
Deestroy
2 Nov 2007, 00:57
Problem is.. correct me if im wrong, but receiving the CBF means we HAVE to only pay 92.5?% of the cap, puts us 1-2 quality players behind the other sides.
I'm certain that is incorrect.
Wolfmother
2 Nov 2007, 00:57
I don't think so.... it was like that when it first started and you had to have your books checked but now its seen as compo for the draw...
Otherwise I don't think Melbourne would have two development coachs and some of the extra staff on top of the three assistants
Deenamite
2 Nov 2007, 07:43
I don't think so.... it was like that when it first started and you had to have your books checked but now its seen as compo for the draw...
Otherwise I don't think Melbourne would have two development coachs and some of the extra staff on top of the three assistants
We do have 2 development coaches. And extra staff on top of our assistants, fitness, nutrition, player energy, phycology.
Unleash Hell
2 Nov 2007, 09:32
We'll have to check out the Financial which will be released at teh AGM.
Fact is, with or without the CBF we need to raise more revenue, this has always been a problem for the MFC.
I always thought the CBF wasn't a hand out like everyone makes out...
yes it is given to the clubs that are struggling but I thought it was compensation from the AFL for the fixture being based on attendance etc etc...
If we didn't receive it.... the AFL would have to make the draw, tv rights etc etc fair. That means that interstate wouldn't play each other twice every year or Ess v Coll. every year.... Anzac day and Queens B'Day couldn't be hogged by set clubs.
I would prefer not to receive the funds, so I don't have to listen to the powerfully clubs saying we fund you:mad: but they have to realise that if the smaller clubs didn't get it they would lose prime position on fixtures and free to air....
Hopefully in the next few years with the facilities moving to yarra park we can start posting 300K-500K profits which turn to 1.5mil with the CBF, which is would be closer to our profit if everything in the AFL was equal.;)
Agreed Wolfmother, this is where I think people often get it wrong. A major driver behind the CBF is to balance the inequities with the draw and television coverage and thus more exposure. Is it any surprise the Collingwood gets the most corporate sponsorship when they play so many Friday nights and big games? They play all the 'big' teams twice in order to maximise crowds for the AFL, which is done to the detriment to the finances of other clubs such as ourselves and the Kangas etc. Its fair enough that they have great support and thus play the big games, but to hear people use the fact that clubs on the CBF are being supported by the other clubs and the AFL is just stupid and inherently wrong. If every club played each other twice and there was a general even spread of free-to-air television coverage and friday nights, the arguement that the AFL is propping up clubs on the CBF would actually have some legs.
the russian40
2 Nov 2007, 12:22
according to the big paper this morning, in the article about why the kangas should move, it ranked the clubs over a number of things, we ranked bottom in terms of $$ assets and close to bottom for memberships. From those two points, which are both money earners we look in a bit of trouble
master bate
2 Nov 2007, 12:38
according to the big paper this morning, in the article about why the kangas should move, it ranked the clubs over a number of things, we ranked bottom in terms of $$ assets and close to bottom for memberships. From those two points, which are both money earners we look in a bit of troubleOur revenue wasn't too bad though, and our assets should increase when we move into our new training venue, because I'm pretty sure thats what accounts for most clubs assets. We do need some more dodgy pokies venues to rip people off and get money into the club.
melbournemartin
2 Nov 2007, 15:51
the membership one was wrong I think. it had us at about 26k but we nearly got 29k didn't we?
Deenamite
2 Nov 2007, 17:26
the membership one was wrong I think. it had us at about 26k but we nearly got 29k didn't we?
28,268. Or something like that.
demonfan9
2 Nov 2007, 19:06
28,077 I think.
There are a couple of initiatives which could work out for us off-field. teaMELBOURNE and the China venture are two examples, which could help us attract new sponsors, new support, work more effectively, etc... The new stadium will also be a major bonus, as it allows us to be settled.
2008 is a big year for us. It's our 150th birthday, so there will be a lot of functions, events and media coverage. We need to ensure that Bailey gets the result on the field, which hopefully can create some momentum at the club.
Deenamite
2 Nov 2007, 20:07
2008 better be a big year for us. It needs to be.
Btw if anyone is interested in backing up the club when we're getting trolled senseless here's the link...
http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=393344
2008 better be a big year for us. It needs to be.
Btw if anyone is interested in backing up the club when we're getting trolled senseless here's the link...
http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=393344
Thanks for pointing that out mate, I won't go in to bat for the Hawkers again and that Stronzo will get some too.:thumbsu:
TripleDee
4 Nov 2007, 06:09
2008 better be a big year for us. It needs to be.
Btw if anyone is interested in backing up the club when we're getting trolled senseless here's the link...
http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=393344
Deenamite,
I've seen your work on Bay 13 the last few weeks. You are a busy man working against those Trolls.
Good on you.
Go Dees
Deenamite
4 Nov 2007, 14:48
Deenamite,
I've seen your work on Bay 13 the last few weeks. You are a busy man working against those Trolls.
Good on you.
Go Dees
The Hawks fans are all delusional and its not often a Melbourne one pops up so I'd thought I'd need some help.
dutchy12
5 Nov 2007, 13:23
This is what some other bloke stated about our club actually is quiteg ood have a read
Going to re-post this for all those Demons supporters out there.
I do not barrack for but at least I can see why the Demons ain't going down.
I don't believe the Demons are in any trouble.
Seem like they will be around for a long time.
14 Key points.
1. After next year, forecast shows debt to be finished. Are no longer receiving AFL handout to help.
2. 150th year celerbrations will get them some more exposure.
3. 28,000 members this year isn't great but it isn't shocking.
4. Cover all regions.
5. MCC members contribute a significant amount of money.
6. The actual MCC contributes 1.5 million dollars a year.
7. They have the brand new stadium to call there home (shared with Victory and Storm, government push behind the 3 clubs with facilities said to be on par with Eagles, Collingwood)
8. Have a terrific marketing plan coming in next year to be formally known as Melbourne FC instead of just Melbourne to signify that they are Melbourne, the creators of proffessional football in this country.
9. Still involved in the blockbuster queens birthday game, teams like bulldogs, saints and kangas don't have a game as big as that.
10. The Geelong vs Melbourne rivalry looks set to re-ignite next season with the emphasis of the fact that in the 150th year of football the oldest clubs are still fighting it out.
11. Have began an introduction into the Chinese business world thanks to great business links curtosey of CEO Steve Harris. Trying to work out an option for Melbourne games to be shown in China, receive Chinese memberships and receive sponsors from China.
12. Have made the finals more than any other Victorian side in the past 10 years. Before this year 3 in a row. Still a suprisingly good list with great young players such as Petterd, Bartram, Bate, Dunn, Mclean, Jones, Sylvia, Newton, Davey, Rivers and Frawley. Plus pick 4, 14 and 21 in the national draft. All under 23.
13. Merchandise sales are up as a high for the history of the club.
14. The only team with a package to cater specifically to MCC members.
The MCC have begun to repair any damages with MFC. The sure sign of this is that the Chairman of the MCC has joined a specially designed group of high class business men and marketing men including the likes of Ian Johnson with the sole priorty of getting the Demons back to the top in an off-field sense. The first of many positive changes in the post daniher era.
Clearing out the debt is a big deal. It removes the fear from planning and we'll be able to start taking calculated risks with a bit more confidence.
I'm straring to warm to the China plan, but it'd be better if we mobilised more local Chinese. Apart from anything else, the networks between Chinese communities are very strong, particularly Hong Kong and the southern coast regions and Australia. Family connetions have held together even for those who arrived around the 1850's.
That's our best way to promote footy in China, through human contacts - locals bringing their rellies to the game when they come to visit, or taking a Sherrin with them when they go visit.
eliasd82
7 Nov 2007, 12:41
This is what some other bloke stated about our club actually is quiteg ood have a read
Going to re-post this for all those Demons supporters out there.
I do not barrack for but at least I can see why the Demons ain't going down.
I don't believe the Demons are in any trouble.
Seem like they will be around for a long time.
14 Key points.
1. After next year, forecast shows debt to be finished. Are no longer receiving AFL handout to help.
2. 150th year celerbrations will get them some more exposure.
3. 28,000 members this year isn't great but it isn't shocking.
4. Cover all regions.
5. MCC members contribute a significant amount of money.
6. The actual MCC contributes 1.5 million dollars a year.
7. They have the brand new stadium to call there home (shared with Victory and Storm, government push behind the 3 clubs with facilities said to be on par with Eagles, Collingwood)
8. Have a terrific marketing plan coming in next year to be formally known as Melbourne FC instead of just Melbourne to signify that they are Melbourne, the creators of proffessional football in this country.
9. Still involved in the blockbuster queens birthday game, teams like bulldogs, saints and kangas don't have a game as big as that.
10. The Geelong vs Melbourne rivalry looks set to re-ignite next season with the emphasis of the fact that in the 150th year of football the oldest clubs are still fighting it out.
11. Have began an introduction into the Chinese business world thanks to great business links curtosey of CEO Steve Harris. Trying to work out an option for Melbourne games to be shown in China, receive Chinese memberships and receive sponsors from China.
12. Have made the finals more than any other Victorian side in the past 10 years. Before this year 3 in a row. Still a suprisingly good list with great young players such as Petterd, Bartram, Bate, Dunn, Mclean, Jones, Sylvia, Newton, Davey, Rivers and Frawley. Plus pick 4, 14 and 21 in the national draft. All under 23.
13. Merchandise sales are up as a high for the history of the club.
14. The only team with a package to cater specifically to MCC members.
The MCC have begun to repair any damages with MFC. The sure sign of this is that the Chairman of the MCC has joined a specially designed group of high class business men and marketing men including the likes of Ian Johnson with the sole priorty of getting the Demons back to the top in an off-field sense. The first of many positive changes in the post daniher era.
Top comment. That gets me toey for 2008.
Now get out their and buys your memberships....
demonfan9
7 Nov 2007, 17:02
Clearing out the debt is a big deal. It removes the fear from planning and we'll be able to start taking calculated risks with a bit more confidence.
I'm straring to warm to the China plan, but it'd be better if we mobilised more local Chinese. Apart from anything else, the networks between Chinese communities are very strong, particularly Hong Kong and the southern coast regions and Australia. Family connetions have held together even for those who arrived around the 1850's.
That's our best way to promote footy in China, through human contacts - locals bringing their rellies to the game when they come to visit, or taking a Sherrin with them when they go visit.
I think it may have been mentioned in an article about possibly tapping into the universities in Melbourne. There are a lot of Chinese students who live in and around the city, who have only been here a couple of years and don't have a team to follow. If Melbourne can be that team, it could be quite beneficial.
Deenamite
8 Nov 2007, 19:27
I think it may have been mentioned in an article about possibly tapping into the universities in Melbourne. There are a lot of Chinese students who live in and around the city, who have only been here a couple of years and don't have a team to follow. If Melbourne can be that team, it could be quite beneficial.
That is quite smart. :thumbsu:
I think it may have been mentioned in an article about possibly tapping into the universities in Melbourne. There are a lot of Chinese students who live in and around the city, who have only been here a couple of years and don't have a team to follow. If Melbourne can be that team, it could be quite beneficial.
maybe in 20 years time the stereotype about melbourne supporters will be that we can't drive instead of going to the snow... and that we drive toyotas instead of land rovers...
Deenamite
9 Nov 2007, 06:52
maybe in 20 years time the stereotype about melbourne supporters will be that we can't drive instead of going to the snow... and that we drive toyotas instead of land rovers...
Probably, but we need to maximise our growth and exposure if we're going to return to a strong club. And whatever way we can do it should be used.
demonfan9
9 Nov 2007, 11:21
Probably, but we need to maximise our growth and exposure if we're going to return to a strong club. And whatever way we can do it should be used.
Exactly. An extra 10,000 members a year (which is roughly what the top Victorian clubs have more than us) will give us approximately $1.5 million in additional revenue per year. That is the difference between us and the big clubs. On top of that, sponsors will see that we have more members and bigger crowds, hence they will want to jump on board. The AFL will give us better fixturing too, which maximises exposure and benefits sponsors.
If we can corner the Chinese market (and God knows it is very big) then we can get those extra members.
well its official, looks like we will make about $100k for the year, with circumstances preventing us clocking up the budgeted $1m...
it's good we're still in the black, i doubt we could have a worse year financially, we were meant to have turned over lots of staff, had players injured which ate up a lot of player payments, plus the players filling the void were getting paid per game... add the down crowds, and i'm not to bothered by this result... however it needs to be improved next season, and lets hope it is...
demonfan9
14 Nov 2007, 09:07
So without the CBF we would've lost $900k.
As you said though w00dy, we couldn't have had a worse year. Injuries cost us heaps financially, as we still had to pay guys on larger fixed contracts, as well as the younger guys on performance based contracts. Crowd tumbled due to our poor form, and naturally merchandise and corporate hospitality would have too.
Hopefully next year is much more positive for the club on and off the field.
How much debt is left?
Deenamite
18 Nov 2007, 11:18
So without the CBF we would've lost $900k.
As you said though w00dy, we couldn't have had a worse year. Injuries cost us heaps financially, as we still had to pay guys on larger fixed contracts, as well as the younger guys on performance based contracts. Crowd tumbled due to our poor form, and naturally merchandise and corporate hospitality would have too.
Hopefully next year is much more positive for the club on and off the field.
How much debt is left?
I'd like to know as well. :thumbsu:
So without the CBF we would've lost $900k.
How much debt is left?
That's the thing - we've actually paid out several million dollars of debt in the last three years, an achievement which hasn't been the headline in the final profit announement. I was hoping that we'd be debt-free b the end of 07, but obviously that's tricky when so much falls off the wagon all at once.
Debt free in 08 would be a great announcement for the 150th year. As would the completion of the combined facilities.
Then we can really start to push without fear.
Deenamite
19 Nov 2007, 17:41
That's the thing - we've actually paid out several million dollars of debt in the last three years, an achievement which hasn't been the headline in the final profit announement. I was hoping that we'd be debt-free b the end of 07, but obviously that's tricky when so much falls off the wagon all at once.
Debt free in 08 would be a great announcement for the 150th year. As would the completion of the combined facilities.
Then we can really start to push without fear.
I genuinly look forward to that. Would be a gorilla off the clubs back.
eliasd82
20 Nov 2007, 16:21
That's the thing - we've actually paid out several million dollars of debt in the last three years, an achievement which hasn't been the headline in the final profit announement. I was hoping that we'd be debt-free b the end of 07, but obviously that's tricky when so much falls off the wagon all at once.
Debt free in 08 would be a great announcement for the 150th year. As would the completion of the combined facilities.
Then we can really start to push without fear.
how do you know this? what are you sources?
i hope you are bang on the money... but i'd still like some form of confirmation. Thanks.