Monday, 18 March, 2013
MEDIA STATEMENT FROM THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL COMMISSION
SA Football Commission Chairman, The Honourable John Olsen AO, has attributed the SANFL’s improved end of financial year results to the continued containment of operating expenses and the benefit of AFL finals at AAMI Stadium.
Speaking at the SANFL’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), Mr Olsen said, “The SANFL’s operating loss of $2.715 million represents an improvement of $1.17 million compared with 2011.”
He continued, “The SANFL’s overall operating result comfortably exceeded budget and was cash earnings positive. An underlying profit, excluding abnormal items and depreciation, of $2.82 million dollars was achieved, which is an improvement of $1.14 million on the year before.”
“This increase is mainly due to efforts in minimising operating costs and the value of hosting two AFL finals at AAMI Stadium in 2012,” he said.
In acknowledging the successful 2012 football season, Mr Olsen thanked the many staff, volunteers and supporters in the football community for their dedicated commitment to the sport.
“As the custodians of football in South Australia, we appreciate the enormous value of the people who contribute to the running and development of football in our state. The AFL’s 2012 report on the contribution of Football to the Australian economy identified our sport as providing in excess of $570 million to the South Australian economy every year. The report also put the figure on the time our volunteers give to the sport at $232 million.”
“This loyal dedication ensures our sport remains relevant and continues to grow in our community,” he said.
“In 2012, more than a million spectators came to watch the AFL and SANFL season at our South Australian venues. SANFL players made up more than 20% of those drafted by AFL Clubs with 6 in the top 20. Again, South Australia outperformed the rest of the major football-playing States in terms of the number of players drafted on a per-capita basis.”
“These results combined with our expanding inclusive programs including female, multicultural and indigenous programs, are signs of a very healthy football culture in South Australia,” Mr Olsen said.
In concluding his message at the AGM, Mr Olsen defined the priorities for the year ahead.
“2013 will be a year of challenges and opportunities for the SANFL. It will be important that we adequately celebrate the 40th anniversary of AAMI Stadium while also planning ahead for our future at Adelaide Oval and the opening round of AFL football in 2014.”
“After the shift to Adelaide Oval, the Commission’s AAMI Stadium Precinct Master Plan will ensure it becomes the future fund for football, as it has done as Football Park over the past 40 years, it will underpin the next 40.”
Click below to download the 2012 SANFL Annual Report:
http://www.sanfl.com.au/files/_system/F ... AR2013.pdf