The Essendon Football Club has announced an underlying profit from operations, before NEC Hangar grants and donations, of $1.3m for the financial year ending October 31, 2022, an increase from $1.2m in 2021.

The club was able to achieve a strong result with thanks to the club’s record number of 86,000 loyal members and significant commercial partnerships. 

With footy back to largely normal operations in 2022 for the men’s competition and Essendon’s inaugural season in the AFLW, the club was able to grow its operational revenue to $69.1m.

Essendon President Dave Barham thanked all members, supporters and partners for their loyalty during its 150^th year. 

“We exist as a club for our members and supporters, and we are incredibly thankful for their commitment and loyalty to the Essendon Football Club. It was a tough year on the field for our AFL team, but the support of all our fans and partners has enabled the club to achieve a strong financial result and improve our commercial position,” Barham said. 

“Our strong commercial position allows the club to continue to invest in the key area of football as we look to reset for the future. In 2022 we became a complete football club with five teams competing in the red and black and we will continue to make significant investment in football so these teams can have the right resources, facilities and staff to succeed.”

“We were once again supported by our commercial partners including our co-major partners of our AFL and AFLW programs, Amart Furniture, Fujitsu General Australia and Toyota Material Handling Australia. We extend our sincere gratitude to our corporate and commercial partners, sponsors and other key stakeholders who have been nothing but unwavering in their support for Essendon.”

“The Essendon Football Club is full of committed and passionate people, and I want to thank our executive team, staff, players and their families for their leadership and commitment throughout the year,” Barham said.

Essendon remains financially independent and bank-debt free at the time of this release.

The Essendon annual general meeting for the 2022 season will be held on December 15, 2022.

To read the 2022 Annual Report, please click here.