The Fremantle Football Club has today lodged its 2019 financial result, reporting an operating loss of $1,642,473.

The key reasons behind the loss include:

a decrease in net membership revenue

a restructure of club personnel

increased investment in the club’s AFL Women’s operations

increased funding to grassroots, community and WAFL football via increased payments under the WA Football Commission royalty arrangement.

Fremantle CEO Simon Garlick said that despite the result, the club remained in a strong financial position.

“While the loss of more than $1.6 million is significant, it was part of a conscious club reset, so we are confident it is a one-off and look forward to continuing to build on our strong financial foundation, highlighted by being one of only a handful AFL clubs to be debt free with positive cash reserves,” Garlick said.

“We are also pleased to continue to make a strong contribution to grassroots football through our recently signed royalty agreement with the WA Football Commission.”

Garlick sees an exciting opportunity ahead for Fremantle to grow as a club.

"We have a strong and loyal supporter base and, for the sixth consecutive year, remain on track to exceed 50,000 members in 2020.

“The 60,000 seat capacity of Optus Stadium provides us with a tremendous opportunity to grow as we look for sustained success on the field,” Garlick said.

“Our fans have been incredibly loyal throughout the past four seasons when we have missed finals and we are optimistic that, with improved performance on the field, we will also see significant improvement in our future financial results.”