Demons post third profit in a row in AFL

Melbourne continue to strengthen their financial position, the Demons posting a profit for the third year in a row.

Demons fans in Melbourne

The Melbourne Demons AFL club has posted a profit for the third year in a row. (AAP)

Melbourne's financial position continues to mirror their onfield resurgence, the AFL club posting a profit for the third year running.

The Demons reported a profit of $720,218 for the year ending 31 October 2016, but conceded they received $230,000 in AFL equalisation funding on top of the base league distribution received by all clubs.

The result is still a positive one for a club with bleak prospects on and off the field before the arrivals in 2013 of chief executive Peter Jackson and senior coach Paul Roos.

Melbourne finished 17th in Roos' first season in charge, but rose to 13th in 2015, 11th this season and are considered legitimate finals contenders in 2017.

Roos handed the reins to new coach Simon Goodwin at the end of the season, with his much-improved team helping drive increased revenue from membership, gate takings and sponsorship.

"This is a pleasing result for the football club and our members were a key factor in the consolidation of our financial position," Jackson said on Wednesday.

"We saw membership grow to record levels, with 39,255 signing up for the 2016 season. This was complemented by our strong home game attendances, which saw over 330,000 people attend our home games - an increase of 72,000 compared to the previous season.

"The financial turnaround of the club has been in line with the strategic plan set by the executive and board since 2013.

"We are where we planned to be as a club, however, we must continue to drive high performance both on and off the field to ensure we continue to grow and strengthen the club over the coming years."

Jackson said increasing football department expenditure and paying down the club's debt remained key priorities.

Melbourne will hold their annual general meeting on Thursday, December 15 at the MCG.


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Source: AAP



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