An increase in income from finals, improved sponsorship numbers, and reduced wages have helped AFL Barwon achieve an impressive financial turnaround of more than $200,000.
After recording a $170,564 loss in 2024 off the back of a $34,272 deficit in 2023, the local football and netball’s peak body has informed clubs ahead of tomorrow night’s annual general meeting of a $34,390 profit – a turnaround of $204,954.
Figures shared with K rock Football showed finals income was up by approximately $70,000, and sponsorship increased in the vicinity of $50,000.
AFL Barwon’s wage bill was down $24,000, from $1.129m in 2024 to $1.105m.
The increase in finals revenue offset a jump in finals costs of $43,000, from $244,000 to $287,000.
Tomorrow night’s meeting will also see a vote on changes to AFL Barwon’s constitution, including clearly distinguishing between leagues that are considered Member Leagues (Bellarine and Geelong leagues) and have governance and voting rights, and those that operate under Service Agreements (Colac and District) and have no voting rights.
After last year’s decision to withdraw from AFL Victoria’s Regional Administration Centre model, AFL Barwon also announced it would end its decade-long commission model and return to a board structure.
This board will automatically include the respective presidents of the Bellarine (Michael Fitzgerald) and Geelong (Todd Devine) leagues, with the amendments to the constitution reflecting this.
If those positions change, including mid-term, the incoming president automatically assumes the board position.
As previously reported, Geelong Umpires chair David Chaston and former Colac president Nick Lang are seeking election to the lone vacant position.
It is expected that the AFL Barwon name will be retained for the 2026 season before a change is implemented ahead of next year.
X: @krockfootball
