Club Swans - Watch this space

[Cardinal]

Where do we start and where will this go. Poor investment acumen, apparent conflict of interests, financial sink hole - I wonder if we'll spend all our salary cap this year.

Let's face it, the Swan's Club has a very limited connection to the Sydney afl fans and the community - is it any wonder there was no function at the Club the other night or that money is an issue.

http://business.smh.com.au/business/club-swans-keeps-wolves-from-door-20090831-f58r.html

[hammo]

I don't fully understand the financial relationship between the Swans and Club Swans but as far as I know the licensed club on that site has always struggled, so it's an exercise doomed to failure - throwing good money after bad. As far as location goes, it's a direct contradiction to the Swans' family friendly image.

Secondly, a separate article a few weeks ago indicated the Swans would be recording a significant loss this year due to the drop off in membership and corporate support, so you'd think either player payments or more likely the AFL's most expensive football department will face cut backs.

[laughingnome]

you'd think either player payments or more likely the AFL's most expensive football department will face cut backs.

The AFL pays for all players indirectly, in that it gives each club the $7,693,750 to spend on players. It's why clubs have to spend 92.5% of their salary cap, to prevent hording and siphoning of the AFL's money into personal or club coffers. It also ensures clubs with less revenue can still aford to pay their players.

[Lucky Knickers]

Well that solves the mystery of the "gaming interests".
Hammo is right, Club Swans and it's previous incarnations has never been profitable.

I'd argue it's not family friendly though. I think the free bus and after match functions are really good. Lots of kids, families there having a good time.

I know it's the Cross but it's still a perfectly pleasant time there.

There was an aftermatch, however, it was not a general member event.

[AnnieH]

Well that solves the mystery of the "gaming interests".
Hammo is right, Club Swans and it's previous incarnations has never been profitable.

I'd argue it's not family friendly though. I think the free bus and after match functions are really good. Lots of kids, families there having a good time.

I know it's the Cross but it's still a perfectly pleasant time there.

There was an aftermatch, however, it was not a general member event.

It wasn't held at the x.
There was NO ONE at the club.

[hammo]

The AFL pays for all players indirectly, in that it gives each club the $7,693,750 to spend on players. It's why clubs have to spend 92.5% of their salary cap, to prevent hording and siphoning of the AFL's money into personal or club coffers. It also ensures clubs with less revenue can still aford to pay their players.

Yes, so the question is whether we'll spend up to 100% (or in our case over it with the concession) or whether we'll utilise the veterans list next season.

[ShockOfHair]

The losses from Club Swans were flagged up some time ago. The real issue is Colless' role - if that report is accurate, the club has received some very friendly treatment, although Westpac also seems to have been very generous (a lot of people like the Swans?).

I was surprised to read a reference in the story to the Sydney Swans 07-08 accounts. As far as I know the Swans never publish them, except for a few headline figures.

[Beaussie]

Let's face it, the Swan's Club has a very limited connection to the Sydney afl fans and the community

Right, so no club for Swans and Sydney AFL fans in Sydney is better?

Club Swans has proven potential and I personally think it's great that us AFL fans in Sydney finally have a club of our own to watch the footy and get together. Sadly it doesn't seem to be promoted properly to our fans and fans of other AFL clubs in Sydney. Hopefully things turn around soon.

[Lucky Knickers]

It wasn't held at the x.
There was NO ONE at the club.

Yes. That is what I said. There was an event for members but it was invite only.

[stellation]

Yes. That is what I said. There was an event for members but it was invite only.

Which, for the final game of the season and considering the retirements, is poor form by the club in my opinion.

[Lucky Knickers]

Which, for the final game of the season and considering the retirements, is poor form by the club in my opinion.

I think it's very difficult for the club to satisfy everyone.

[Jewels]

I love attending our interstate games at the club, it's the next best thing to being there.
I live a fair distance away but it's certainly worth the drive.

[stellation]

I think it's very difficult for the club to satisfy everyone.

It certainly is. I don't do after match functions, regardless of how intimate they may be- I don't frown on folks who do, it just isn't my thing; but I did think at the time that it was unfortunate for those people who get a kick out of the after match function following each game to not be able to get along to one after a big event like that.

It didn't impact me, but I think they can pat folks on the back midweek at other functions (and that's purely aimed at the club!).

[AnnieH]

I think it's very difficult for the club to satisfy everyone.

No it's not.

We attended every after match function they had this year ... the whole four of them!!

Then, on the "days" when they put a function on, the last bus for central left at 6pm ... 45 minutes after the function started.

That's very poor form for those who like to attend the A/M function.

Last year they held a function on the last game that a few hundred attended. It was going to be out the back of the members in the training area, but was moved to the noble bar at the last minute.

I'm pretty disappointed there wasn't an opportunity for all to attend.

Thank goodness I still have to fill out my membership survey.

[Primmy]

Go Annie Go! I have already had my bitch in the survey. My thing is that they have over the last number of years steadily stripped away everything from the members that can be called affordable, and the final insult was the A/M. We are not valued. I think they are hearing us loud and clear and I hope beating a retreat. Its time they valued all the members, not just those with plenty of disposable income.