The Adelaide Football Club has tonight announced an operating profit of $1,493,636 for the 2015 financial year.

The return to profitability stems from improvements made across the entire organisation and reinforces the benefit of playing home matches at the world class Adelaide Oval.

The result is nearly a $2m turnaround on the previous year’s operating performance, after allowing for significant investment in the football program, as well as commercial and community initiatives.

Speaking at the Club’s Annual Members Meeting, Chairman Rob Chapman elaborated on the strong off-field performance with highlights including:

- Increased investment in the football program

- Record Membership of 65,000

- Record revenue of $44,492,629

- Record sponsorship, hospitality and merchandise sales

- Third highest average home match attendance in AFL

- Launch of schools program Growing with Gratitude to 25,000 students

- Fastest growing social media platforms in the AFL

- Successful launch of the Club’s own free-to-air television show

The Club also made contributions to the SANFL and Crows Children’s Foundation.

Chapman thanked the passionate Members, as well as loyal sponsors, who offer ongoing support through the ups and down of an AFL season.

“Each and every one of them has played a part in us returning to profitability and their commitment is reflected in our home match attendances being among the highest in the League,” Chapman said.

“We have established a strong foundation and there are now appropriate structures in place to ensure long-term sustainability and success.”

Chief Executive Officer Andrew Fagan praised the hard work and determination of players, coaches and staff during what was a difficult year.

He added the AFL industry was also embarking on an important period with the need to design a more appropriate investment and distribution model.

“The AFL’s equalisation structure does not provide the flexibility to adjust to changing circumstances, nor reflect the financial construct and position of clubs like ours,” Fagan said.

"A record year across nearly all revenue streams should generate a greater surplus and facilitate further investment into our programs.

“I hope that this will be recognised by the AFL in the deliberations that will take place during the course of 2016.”