Last nights AGM was one of the shortest in history. It was chaired by the CEO John Anderson which was a good move considering the circumstances. Around 2000 people attended.
Life Membership was offered to one of te clubs property stewards. He has been with the Club for around 20 years. He was really emotional about it to. It is such a high honour. It put into perspective that despite all this election stuff, it is the Melbourne Footy Club we are all for.
Then the Financial Report was read out by Mr Szondy. The main explanation was about the failed Fawkner venture. It was all to do with the pokie ban in that area implemented by the State Government and it was not viable to run it without pokie machines. The other abnormal expense (ie Joe's money/debts) was nicely brushed aside. He said other reasons have been stated in the Annual Report. Nicely handled.
Then Question Time arrived. It was meant to be non poloitical but some tried their luck. One asked about the possibility of a former director getting onto the board through the MCC, while someone else mentioned Ron Walker, then was hounded down for doing so. That bloke was sitting near me and I had a few words to say to him.
Some good questions were asked. Like the playing of games at Optus Oval, the development of the Hall of Fame at the MCG and broadening the supporter base to country areas.
Other things that normally take place such as the presentation of awards and a speech by the Captain and Coach did not take place.
The mood overall was pretty good. But I do wish the announcemment of the results was announced to gauge the reaction of the room. From what I could gather it would have been close to 50/50 for each side so it would have been interesting. Mr Gutnick got an ovation from certain sections of the room as he entered.
Most people left when they knew it was so late before a result would be announced.
I must say though what an impressive venue the Melbourne Convention Centre was.
Life Membership was offered to one of te clubs property stewards. He has been with the Club for around 20 years. He was really emotional about it to. It is such a high honour. It put into perspective that despite all this election stuff, it is the Melbourne Footy Club we are all for.
Then the Financial Report was read out by Mr Szondy. The main explanation was about the failed Fawkner venture. It was all to do with the pokie ban in that area implemented by the State Government and it was not viable to run it without pokie machines. The other abnormal expense (ie Joe's money/debts) was nicely brushed aside. He said other reasons have been stated in the Annual Report. Nicely handled.
Then Question Time arrived. It was meant to be non poloitical but some tried their luck. One asked about the possibility of a former director getting onto the board through the MCC, while someone else mentioned Ron Walker, then was hounded down for doing so. That bloke was sitting near me and I had a few words to say to him.
Some good questions were asked. Like the playing of games at Optus Oval, the development of the Hall of Fame at the MCG and broadening the supporter base to country areas.
Other things that normally take place such as the presentation of awards and a speech by the Captain and Coach did not take place.
The mood overall was pretty good. But I do wish the announcemment of the results was announced to gauge the reaction of the room. From what I could gather it would have been close to 50/50 for each side so it would have been interesting. Mr Gutnick got an ovation from certain sections of the room as he entered.
Most people left when they knew it was so late before a result would be announced.
I must say though what an impressive venue the Melbourne Convention Centre was.
