THE Port Adelaide Football Club welcomes the funding and equalisation package announced following today’s meeting between the AFL Commission and the Club Presidents and Chief Executive Officers.
The measures are aimed at using a share of the revenue generated by the AFL over the next five years to help make all clubs viable, strong and competitive.
Each of the 18 teams will receive $3.25m between 2012-16.
13 clubs - including Port Adelaide - will receive an additional dis-equal entitlement over the three-year period 2012-14. Port Adelaide’s share of that is $3.9m, placing it in the second quarter of all clubs.
Port Adelaide President Brett Duncanson applauded the AFL’s effort to ensure a healthy competition by putting the clubs on a more equal footing.
“Port Adelaide thanks the AFL as we work to ensure a viable and vibrant future for our club, the national competition and football in South Australia,” Mr Duncanson said.
“This investment will allow us to direct more money into our Football Department and to build on our business strategy as we prepare to play our home games at Adelaide Oval from 2014.
“It will help to ensure we get to Adelaide Oval in strong shape both off-field and on, to take the best possible advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“Economic modelling has shown football will receive a financial uplift once games are played in the city. We saw further evidence when almost 30,000 people turned out at Adelaide Oval to witness Port Adelaide’s Round 24 victory over Melbourne.”
The equalisation payments will require the recipient clubs to meet goals set by the AFL, which Port Adelaide welcomes.
“We look forward to continuing discussions with the AFL as we are committed to maximising the return on this investment,” Mr Duncanson said.
“We are determined to again become a force in the AFL and to continue to make a contribution to football which we have for most of our 141 years.”
The Port Adelaide Football Club has already put in place many measures to improve its financial position, including the One Club merger, the Back In Black debt reduction strategy and the ongoing implementation of a strategic plan with short, medium and long-term goals.
“We are facing up to our challenges and through our own efforts and with this investment we are confident we are on the right track to turning things around ready for an exciting new era for football in South Australia.” Mr Duncanson said.
The Port Adelaide Football Club would also like to acknowledge the work of retiring AFL Commissioners Bob Hammond and Graeme John.
Mr Duncanson said Mr Hammond - a Life Member of the AFL and SANFL who played 234 games for North Adelaide and Norwood - had been a strong voice for football in South Australia since his appointment to the AFL Commission in 2001.
“Both Bob and Graeme have served on the Commission with great distinction during a period of enormous change and expansion,” Mr Duncanson said.
