The Fremantle Football Club today lodged its 2020 financial result, reporting an operating loss which was limited to $1,065,110 thanks, in part, to the generous support of the club’s members and supporters.
Fremantle CEO Simon Garlick expressed the Club’s gratitude to all members, sponsors and premium partners who took part in the Club’s Forever Campaign to ensure the Club maintained its financial independence, despite the significant challenges of 2020.
“Given the significant impact of the pandemic on the AFL industry and our Club, the result is a reasonable outcome, particularly as we were able to remain debt free throughout 2020,” Garlick said.
“Importantly, we were also able to finish the financial year with close to $4 million in cash reserves, despite our year-on-year revenue being reduced by more than 30 per cent.
“We are very grateful for the overwhelming support of our members and premium partners during the Forever Campaign, their passion and generosity far exceeded our expectations.
“This was highlighted by our membership tally exceeding 50,000 members for the sixth consecutive year, despite the numerous disruptions to the season.
“Our valued sponsors’ support has been unwavering, despite their businesses also feeling the vast impact of the pandemic.
“We also thank our key stakeholders in the AFL, the WA Football Commission, VenuesLive and the State and Federal governments for their ongoing support throughout this period.”
The Club had to make many difficult decisions throughout the year to reset its cost base to not only survive but to thrive in 2021 and beyond.
“As a result of required cost reductions, there has been significant changes to our staff and playing groups, with all affected in some way and some, sadly, no longer with us due to the structural changes forced upon us,” Garlick said.
“I sincerely thank our staff, playing groups and their families for the sacrifices they made to complete the 2020 season in the most challenging of circumstances.
“I also thank all those staff who are no longer with us, for their contribution to our Club over many years.
“2021 provides another huge challenge, given both the uncertainty that remains and the fact that our closing cash reserves are mostly due to membership credits from the Forever Campaign that will carry forward into the 2021 season.
“With this in mind, we will again need to rely heavily on the incredible support of the Purple Army.
“When combined with a continued on-field improvement from both our AFL and AFLW teams, we believe our Club will emerge strongly from the current pandemic.”
