HAWTHORN’s below-par season on the field has made little impact off it, with the club recording yet another huge profit.
The Hawks announced on Tuesday an operating profit of almost $2.11million for the financial year ending October 31, 2017 despite a 12th-place finish and missing the finals for the first time since 2009.
"It is testament to the club's effective business model and dedicated administration that we could post such a strong financial result in a challenging year," chief operating officer Tim Silvers said.
The Hawks attracted a record membership for the 11th straight year, and of their 75,663 members, more than 9,500 were from Tasmania.
The club’s net asset position improved by $5million to $46.5m and the land in Dingley, which will become the club’s new home base within the next five years, has already been paid for without the need for any debt funding.
"The Dingley site will allow for the development of a world-class training and administrative facility which will provide greater prospects for member interaction, community engagement and future expansion," Silvers said.
"The next stage of capital fundraising is critical and the club is realistic about the financial challenges it will need to overcome before its vision of a world-class facility becomes a reality."
The Hawks attracted an average of 44,719 for their seven home games in Melbourne and 13,197 to the four University of Tasmania Stadium home games.
"Hawthorn continues to invest in the community both in Tasmania and on the mainland," Silvers said.
Hawthorn’s annual general meeting will take place on December 14 at which Jeff Kennett will be formally ratified as club president and new chief executive Justin Reeves will address members for the first time.