The Brisbane Lions said the global economic downturn had a major impact on the AFL club's shareholdings although they still reported a trading profit for the 2008 financial year.
And Adelaide’s trading profit was more than $1.6 million despite the challenges of current financial issues affecting the world.
The Lions actually reported an overall $2.2 million loss despite the club making a trading operating profit of $128,290.
However, Lions chairman Tony Kelly said he remained optimistic for the 2009 season.
"Recording a financial loss is always disappointing, yet there would be few major organisations that have remained immune to the crunch in global markets and growing worldwide recession," Kelly said in a statement.
"(But) I think the Lions are the real 'X-factor' team for season 2009 with new senior coach Michael Voss at the helm alongside sole club captain Jonathan Brown and his four new vice-captains."
The Lions said poor crowd attendances at the Brisbane-Melbourne match held over the Anzac long weekend and at the rain-affected clash against North Melbourne in the middle of three consecutive Gabba home games also played their part in the final result.
The Adelaide Crows also released their financial details on Tuesday, reporting a $1.675 million net profit before write-downs for their training facilities.
Adelaide chairman Bill Sanders said the club remained in a relatively strong position.
"We are being challenged in every way though, as is the rest of the corporate world, and the next couple of years will be very important in terms of maintaining our current levels of support," Sanders said.
"Our 2008 result is a reflection of excellent financial management at board and executive level, and allows us – per our plans and budget – to invest more into the facilities currently under construction, for the benefit of everybody involved with the club."
Chief executive Steven Trigg said the club's result was in line with forecasts. "The next couple of years, with government grants, a write-down of the old facility, and differing depreciation schedules will inevitably produce some abnormal figures to be reported," Trigg said.
"In terms of operating surplus in 2008, we’ve arrived at a result marginally ahead of budget – with credit to the management team and our board."
