In big news for the health of the AFL, league bosses today have revealed the financial results for 2021 following another season of COVID interruptions.
Last year saw clubs once again scramble from state to state, desperately trying to dodge COVID outbreaks across the eastern side of the country in order to keep the season alive.
Victoria and New South Wales were once again isolated from the rest of the country, meaning the 12 teams based in the two states were forced to adjust once again to hub life.
A historic Optus Stadium Grand Final was contested between the Dees and Doggies, with over 61,000 fans packing out the arena to watch Melbourne break their premiership drought.
The AFL revealed on Tuesday that the competition made an underlying loss of $43 million despite making a cash surplus.
Compared to 2020's $22.7 million loss, the league has taken a large hit with the unpredictability of the pandemic once again rearing its ugly head.
AFL Commission Chair Richard Goyder has lauded both the competition and fans for keeping the footy circus rolling despite so many setbacks.
“If I could summarise our 2021 year in one word, that word would be resilience,” the Commission Chair exclaimed.
“As we navigated through the on-going effects of the pandemic, it continued to test the resolve and, at times our patience, as we collectively worked through the week to week, and sometimes day to day uncertainty that the pandemic presented.
“The game’s collective unity and determination enabled us to withstand what some would say was an even bigger test than the year prior. Our football community, from our players, coaches and officials and our committed broadcast and corporate partners, all made the relevant sacrifices to ensure the health of the community was put first and we still delivered matches for the fans."
Revenue in 2021 increased by $63.3 million to $728 million off the back of increased broadcast revenue and commercial returns, however COVID-related expenses and changes to club funding offset such.
On top of this, the league spent another $76 million in COVID measures such as testing and accommodation across seasons 2020 and 2021 in order to keep the game operational.
$300.9 million was also given to all 18 clubs from the revenue, with CEO Travis Auld saying that the financial health of the AFL is still in a strong position.
“As the 2021 year played out, our operating expenditure continued to increase due to the costs of accommodating our clubs throughout the season, some who were on the road for months on end. This also included the additional precautions taken during travel and interstate stays to safeguard the players, clubs, and the community," Auld explained.
“Our balance sheet remains strong, and despite the significant cash cost required to deliver the AFL and AFLW seasons, the coordinated effort to reduce the industry cost base and protect revenues means the AFL was able to report a cash surplus for the financial year."
Finally, there was a record number of club members in 2021 with over 1,113,441 million Australians signing up to be a member at one of 18 clubs.
This surpasses the 2019 record set of 1,057,572 and, when considering the pandemic affected nature of season 2021, is a remarkable achievement.
2022 is gearing up to be one of the biggest seasons yet, with the Demons hoping to defend their premiership flag in a year where many are hopeful that the pandemic won't be a major inconvenience.
Round 1 kicks off on March 16 with the grand final rematch between the Dees and Dogs at what is tipped to be a packed out MCG.
