Postal Address:
Whyalla Football League Inc.
ABN:30 759 795 145
P.O. Box 270
Whyalla S.A. 5600
Phone: 08 8645 8405
Email:  Whyalla Football League

League - News

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ROUND 8 COCA-COLA STAR SEARCH NOMINATION Ryan McInerney from Port Adelaide Magpies Football Club has been named the Round 8 Coca-Cola Star Search nominee. McInerney had an outstanding game on the wing against Central District last Saturday night in what was only his third League match. He notched up 14 kicks, two handballs, 10 marks and three tackles. McInerney is a product of the Magpies’ Country Academy program and originally hails from Whyalla.

 

Port Adelaide Magpies Football Club

– response to Sunday Mail article (22/3/09)

The Port Adelaide Magpies Football Club wishes to assure all its members and supporters as well as SANFL League Football supporters that it will not “be forced to fall on its own sword” for the so-called betterment of the game in South Australia. There has been a great deal of speculation throughout the media over the last week surrounding the Power’s financial challenges, stadium deals and the role of the SANFL and indeed the SANFL Clubs in this.

The future prosperity of the SANFL competition, stadium deals for the two AFL Clubs and indeed the Power’s financial challenges are all complex issues, but there is one thing that is certain, the Magpies no longer continuing in the SANFL is not going to solve any of these issues. In 1997, when the Power entered the AFL, the SANFL knew that Port Adelaide needed to continue in the competition to ensure it remained strong and this has been proven. As difficult as it has been for the Magpies in the SANFL (both on and off the field), the club still holds the highest average and aggregate attendances in the SANFL competition between 1997 to 2008. When you consider that the Club has not had the success on field it would desire since 2000, it highlights the significance of this fact and as the Club rebuilds and becomes successful on field again, there is probably no club in the competition with more upside potential in terms of attendances. The Club has the highest levels of membership and sponsorship in the SANFL and this is currently up by 20% on the same time last year, belying the commonly held view that the Club is on the downward trend.

From a financial sense the Club has some challenges at the moment, but this is no different any other business in the current climate. Our challenges are somewhat unique in the SANFL and this is largely because in 1997 the Club virtually had to start from scratch again. In 2005 the Club purchased the Prince of Wales Hotel at Queenstown and this investment has been a very positive one for the football club. The Club did however have to borrow significant funds to make this purchase but over time our financial position will improve as we effectively own a commercial hotel on a main road in a growth area of Adelaide, and because it is a hotel it can be sold which is unlike most other clubs who effectively cannot sell their licensed venues. This is not to say we would sell, but it highlights that over time the value of our asset will grow and ultimately provide greater returns to the Club. In very simple terms, our asset is now worth nearly $4m, and we have debts of around $2m, so our long term financial viability is secure as long as we maintain and develop our hotel investment.

In 2008, the Club lost $240,000 and this was largely due to a significant downturn in gaming at the Prince of Wales Hotel. This was consistent with the industry in 2008 and was a major factor behind most SANFL Club financial results. It was not because of an overspending football department like some would like us to believe, in fact most SANFL football clubs rely on largely volunteer support across all levels of the Club. We have people who spend 300 to 400 hours a year at the club and receive a $250 honorarium for their considerable efforts and commitment. To our valuable coaches and support staff, I apologize the inference of “over expanding football departments” and sincerely thank them for the considerable time and commitment they put into our football club, for little or no financial gain.

The Club addressed these challenges early and has made some significant changes across the business, and pleasingly indicators for 2009 so far are ahead of budget. On the income side of things, our gaming revenue is 30% up on last year and membership revenue is 20% up whilst the costs savings that were implemented in the latter part of 2008 see total expenditure in the football club already nearly $80,000 less than last year.

The answers to the article in today’s Sunday Mail questioning the continuation of the Magpies in the SANFL, the AFL Club and AAMI Stadium challenges do not lie with the Magpies rolling over. The Club’s Creed opens up by saying that “we accept the heritage that the players and administrators before us have passed down, and in doing so we do not intend to rest in idleness but shall strive with all our power to further this club’s unexcelled achievements.” That statement is as relevant now as it has ever been here at the Magpies, and the current generation of players, administrators, coaches and support staff at the Magpies carry that responsibility with a genuine sense of purpose and belief. This club has always been about looking forward and setting out to achieve our goals and now is no different, no matter what people on the outside might choose to think.

MATTHEW RICHARDSON

CEO