I went along to the A.G.M last night. Here is a review of what took place.
What a difference a year makes. This time last year the MFC future was in the balance. A long drawn out election was taking place that had everyone divided. Over 2,000 members were in attendance at last years meeting at the Melbourne Convention Centre. This year, no more than 300 were in attendance for what was a much calmer night than the 2001 meeting.
First thing tackled were the finances. A 1.6 million dollar loss was announced. Reasons given included the poor draw (2 games at Optus), the loss of a sponsor before the start of the year and one off superannuation payments that had to be made. Another reason was playing against the gate as a result of the new TV deal. The AFL is currently holding an investigation into this. There was also a slight drop in membership and corporate support, blamed on the economic downturn. However the Club has budgeted for a small profit next year. A better draw, more members and sponsors are an integral part of this.
The trainer’s award was then presented. This was awarded to Andrew Leoncelli. He spoke well. Then it was time for life memberships. Firstly (forgive me, have forgotten names), it was awarded to one of our recruiting guys who originally barracked for Collingwood, but when an MFC player moved next-door he soon changed his mind! He was wooed be Cameron Schwab in the 80’s to become a recruiter and has been with the Club ever since. Another life membership was given to a trainer who had been with the Club since the 1970’s. This is what footy clubs are all about.
5 years certificates were then given, some of which were not awarded last year due to the different meeting held. Players given this honour included Ward, Brown, Rigoni, Nicholson, Robertson and the McDonald brothers.
Question time was generally tension free. Some people still came up with the Woewodin story. One chap who had been supporting the Club since 1937 went on with the biggest load of crap I have ever heard. Another complained that there was not enough advertisements about nominating for the board, Nonsense really.
News that came out included that membership is nearly at 8,000, Collingwood does NOT own the social club in the redevelopments, they are aiming to improve communication with members and Melbourne will soon move everyone to where we belong, the MCG.
The President ran a good meeting. He is actually quite a funny man. Kept everything lighthearted. However, for you young one’s, it would probably be one of the more boring nights in your year. However I am now starting to climb back on board and might just have to renew that membership.
What a difference a year makes. This time last year the MFC future was in the balance. A long drawn out election was taking place that had everyone divided. Over 2,000 members were in attendance at last years meeting at the Melbourne Convention Centre. This year, no more than 300 were in attendance for what was a much calmer night than the 2001 meeting.
First thing tackled were the finances. A 1.6 million dollar loss was announced. Reasons given included the poor draw (2 games at Optus), the loss of a sponsor before the start of the year and one off superannuation payments that had to be made. Another reason was playing against the gate as a result of the new TV deal. The AFL is currently holding an investigation into this. There was also a slight drop in membership and corporate support, blamed on the economic downturn. However the Club has budgeted for a small profit next year. A better draw, more members and sponsors are an integral part of this.
The trainer’s award was then presented. This was awarded to Andrew Leoncelli. He spoke well. Then it was time for life memberships. Firstly (forgive me, have forgotten names), it was awarded to one of our recruiting guys who originally barracked for Collingwood, but when an MFC player moved next-door he soon changed his mind! He was wooed be Cameron Schwab in the 80’s to become a recruiter and has been with the Club ever since. Another life membership was given to a trainer who had been with the Club since the 1970’s. This is what footy clubs are all about.
5 years certificates were then given, some of which were not awarded last year due to the different meeting held. Players given this honour included Ward, Brown, Rigoni, Nicholson, Robertson and the McDonald brothers.
Question time was generally tension free. Some people still came up with the Woewodin story. One chap who had been supporting the Club since 1937 went on with the biggest load of crap I have ever heard. Another complained that there was not enough advertisements about nominating for the board, Nonsense really.
News that came out included that membership is nearly at 8,000, Collingwood does NOT own the social club in the redevelopments, they are aiming to improve communication with members and Melbourne will soon move everyone to where we belong, the MCG.
The President ran a good meeting. He is actually quite a funny man. Kept everything lighthearted. However, for you young one’s, it would probably be one of the more boring nights in your year. However I am now starting to climb back on board and might just have to renew that membership.
We should be aiming for a figure around 30,000 by say 2008, but we would only achieve that if we had a successful period on the field (i.e premierships!)
but i do agree, people need to get over it and concerntrate on whats going on now. whats done is done and thats all there is to it!
