Yes. But they also generate $40M annually via its Aligned Leisure business which is a vast network of gym / lifestyle places which what I’m talking about. This is a good example of the diversification Clubs need to do moving forward.
2 Likes
It is all about on field performance which dictates higher income from all sources.
Win games, win finals, win flags and you get more supporters and more sponsorship and more dollars.
In my view spending any money on Windy Hill is a waste unless you have full longterm control of the place.
1 Like
By that argument we don’t spend on the Hangar either
No-one barracks for BHP
I think we’re still big 4, but it was a wake up when the 2024 fixture boasted 4 big Vic clubs playing up north- Blues, Pies, Tigers and D…ees
I don’t necessarily disagree with you on WH. However, it has spiritual significance and there’s a large cohort who believe it’s an important part of Club DNA and it needs a presence there.
That’s different. Thsts their training facility and administration. WH is just the Clubs church so to speak.
Depends which way you spin it. Richmond are playing at GMHBA and have been shafted much more than us commercially in the fixture.
Our fixture is indicative of big 4. However, we don’t act like a big 4 club (no presence / lost influence / voice), our membership has lost pace with the big 4, our socials numbers are losing ground and our merchandising sales have tanked concerning and I’m far from convinced Dutton are fully cycling the same investment in Essendon as Amart were. Yes, winning games helps but I’m not convinced our commercial team is top tier as it once was which means it will possibly always underperform relative to what could be achieved…
I thought barracking for BHP was 90% of what the federal LNP and ALP do?
3 Likes
We have longterm lease and control at the Hangar with the Federal Government.
At Windy Hill we are at the whim of the Local Council and other Users like Cricket and Bowling Clubs.
BHP is to the ALP and LNP as the AFL is to EFC.
When you’ve been a basket case for 20 years, inevitably kids stop supporting the clubs. And now we have a massive age divide in our membership numbers.
The kids who once might have been rusted on Essendon supporters, growing up in Essendon families…… are now supporting teams like the Bulldogs, Melbourne, Collingwood…… and soon Carlton.
But we is Essendon. And we are the greatest team of all time….
3 Likes
Completely agree about the pathetic lack of diversification of the business. The gold coast suns are ahead of us in that aspect, opening 3 childcare centres within the next couple of years, plus they run their own stadium.
My worry with these losses is when the academies get somewhat re-opened in the next year or two, we won’t have the money to fund them to anywhere near the level of our competitors.
2 Likes
Tend to disagree.
Most CEO’s are charged with the responsibility to initiate, develop and implement (in conjunction with the Board) strategies and processes which will achieve long-term sustainable playing and commercial success for the footy Club.
Certainly X should have been across the narrow revenue stream and initiated strategies to diversify the club in a meaningful way.
1 Like
And that’s my issue. Essendon is being left behind, dragged its heels for decade(s). Peter Jackson was harping on about the need to make inroads way back in early 2000’s!
Essendon has relied too heavily on its football operations for a decade. Its lack of diversified business means it keeps going back to its high net worth supporters for the millions it needs to invest in its facilities etc. it also obtains grants from governments as well like all clubs do. But its reliance on high net worth supporters and things like ‘The Flight Plan’ is all down to not having a strong enough, and broad enough business….
Other Clubs are way ahead in building their businesses. You mentioned the Suns. Other clubs like Richmond have been successful with gym / lifestyle franchises nationally. Further, these type of businesses themselves communicate with their ‘customers’ and Richmond has successfully leveraged these non football investments to grow its membership and attract sponsors.
So, Essendon needs to commit itself to rebuilding its business so it’s more robust and less susceptible to poor on field results and then tapping every supporter and member for more money.
It needs to find its voice again. It needs to come out from its cave and start communicating with members and fans and the media more frequently. It needs to rediscover its external influence and presence and it needs to return to being innovative, savvy and market leading.
All this whilst maintaining its great focus on football…… Just like other successful Clubs have done and continue to be to this day. Just like Essendon did in the 1993-2004(ish) period.
5 Likes
Yep, good points. I’m not completely across the drivers if responsibility of the more strategic / non football aspects of business opportunities.
Well maybe Davo, you can coerce some crazy rich oil tycoon to buy the Bombers like they have EPL Clubs and turn us into a soul-less powerhouse like many of those Clubs.
I would prefer the Bombers to stay a footy club and not be a “business” that has to make profut for the share-holders.
When did we sell the Windy Hill venue, the community fitness centre and the Melton country club?
I think you’re missing the point. It’s not about making millions for millions sake. Not at all.
Rather, the Club needs to stop tapping the shoulders of the wealthy supporters, as well as the launching countless fundraising drives to get more rank and file like you and me to give extra dosh so it can actually achieve what it is setting itself to achieve:
- On field success / fully resourced footy dept
- Redevelop and realise its ambitions for WH, ensuring it becomes a functional venue for its AFLW team playing at WH
- Build resources for next upgrade of The Hangar, including a satisfactory solution to allow fans to watch training etc… Basic stuff right!
And to this, I bet you the Club will soon launch a new fundraising campaign to source funds for WH. Hmmm 
Private ownership ain’t the solution, that would never work.
2 Likes
Hiking up membership fees by 7pc after losing the last two games by a combined 196 points and falling over the line v North and WC weeks earlier, is not the way to quote Vozzo this week in a letter to members, to reward the club members’ “loyalty and commitment”.
I actually could cop a 7pc increase when we show improvement, make finals and win one.
4 Likes