RICHMOND has blamed its poor on-field performances in 2016 for the club's first financial loss in more than a decade.

The Tigers will report a deficit of $80,257 for the financial year ended 31 October, posting a loss for the first time since 2004.

The club said on-field performances had resulted in attendances plummeting in an eight-win season and this had a "significant impact on the final result".

The Tigers are also yet to secure a new naming rights sponsor for Punt Road Oval after ME Bank chose not to renew its partnership at the end of the 2015 season.

President Peggy O'Neal said members could be assured the club remained in a "sound financial position".

She said the club remained debt free, had cash reserves of more than $2 million and a net asset position of $24.1 million.

The club would continue to look for new revenue streams after winning the tender to manage eight health and recreation facilities, through its wholly owned subsidiary Aligned Leisure.

"These well-considered business decisions diversify revenue streams and will help underpin the club's financial stability long-term," O'Neal said.

"I am also pleased to say that while football is our core business, and always our number one priority, we continue to invest in the community."

Richmond's $459,000 profit in 2015 was the result of record sponsorship revenue, record membership and record crowds.

That result followed the $1.3m result in 2014 that marked a decade of consecutive profits.

The club this year reported an operating surplus of $1.2 million, but after amortisation and depreciation, a loss will be reported.

The club generated revenue of $47.5 million, but "on-field performance saw match day attendances drop 14.6 per cent across the season".

Bad debts related to two club sponsors had totalled more than $300,000.