President’s Message to Members and Supporters – November 2019

President’s Message to Members and Supporters – November 2019

I’m happy to report that the board and management of your club is working very hard towards preparing for the 2020 season. We are continuing to recruit key players who will form part of a team that is focussed on a successful year ahead. Players are returning to training this week, and there is an air of great anticipation in the group. As I indicated in my last message, the board had included a full salary cap in our planning for next year and I am now able to let you know that this will certainly be the case. Additionally, we have confirmation that there will be three AFLW matches played at our ground in 2020.

By now you will have seen the release of our 2020 membership packages, with all the options that are available to assist you to get on board. The club needs a strong membership base for next year and I encourage you to show your support and renew early. If you are not yet a member, why not get behind the club and join the momentum that is building for next season. Additionally, invite your friends and family to be involved. We need as many vocal, passionate supporters at all our games next year.

The 31^st of October was the end of our financial year. I have already reported many of the milestones that were achieved by your board and executive during the period up until that date. I know that many of you have already seen the notice advising that Ben Hopkins has now been appointed permanently as our Chief Executive Officer, but I want to acknowledge the importance of this appointment and to thank Ben for the incredible energy and dedication he has already invested into the role during the period of his secondment to us from the SANFL. I also recognise and thank the SANFL for allowing Ben to serve the club during that time. Ben’s appointment as permanent CEO will benefit our club for many years to come, I am sure.

Now that we are into the new financial year, we now start the process of preparing the official financial reports and accounts of the club for last year. We have had an initial meeting with the auditors, and they will be ensuring that your Annual Report presents a true and fair picture of the club’s state of affairs as at 31^st October. Our finance department is currently completing the October reports, and then we can work towards closing off the financial year. As noted previously, last financial year is expected to show a profit reduction on the previous year’s result, caused in part by many extraordinary and unforeseen expenses. However, the board is confident of improvements in the months ahead.

As I’ve said previously, I welcome your emails and messages with your thoughts and comments about any aspect of the club. Feel free to continue to provide these, and I look forward to catching up with you soon.

Go Bloods.

Murray Forbes

President