The AFL contributed a combined figure of more than $45 million to the two expansion clubs in 2018 in an attempt to gain traction in the non-traditional football markets in Western Sydney and the Gold Coast.

The $23.7 million the AFL gave the Suns - a slight decrease on their 2017 contribution - allowed the Suns to report a profit of $1.16 million for 2018 in documents lodged recently with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission.

However the Giants, who made finals for a third successive season, recorded a loss for the first time in four years with an abnormal level of injury payments and flat attendances the main factors for the $1.9 million deficit.

The 2018 season was another tough one for Gold Coast Football Club. Credit:AAP

The teams faced different challenges with Suns' CEO Mark Evans describing his club's approach as a two-year strategy to overcome the impact of the disruption caused by the Commonwealth Games last year, when they were forced on the road for the first nine games.