Fremantle Dockers post $1.64m profit

The Fremantle Dockers posted a $1.64m operating profit for the 2023 financial year, down from $2.43 million in 2022, following its annual royalty payment to the West Australian Football Commission. 

This result means Fremantle recorded its third consecutive operating profit in excess of $1 million. 

Both the Dockers and West Coast Eagles make royalty payments each season to the WAFC for the use of their respective AFL licences, which are then reinvested to help grow aussie rules across all levels in Western Australia.

Fremantle's royalty payment for 2023 was $1.84 million, down from $2.2 million the previous year.

In contrast, West Coast delivered a $2 million royalty payment, down from $2.7 million in 2022. 

The club's revenue hit a record $71.5 million, rising from $66.1 million in 2022, primarily due to a history-making 62,245 people signing up as Dockers members throughout 2023.

Despite finishing 14th last season with a 10-13 record, the Dockers displayed plenty of heart on-field during matches - and their loyal supporters will be hopeful coach Justin Longmuir can get his players firing on all cylinders ahead of the 2024 season, which begins on March 17 against the Brisbane Lions at Optus Stadium.

It was a tough season for Fremantle's AFLW team, which also didn't play finals, although a number of local players were given an opportunity to prove themselves at the highest level.

Fremantle's chief executive officer Simon Garlick said although it was disappointing that both men's and women's teams didn't play finals, he saw plenty of growth across both programs. 

Outgoing club president Dale Alcock, who was recently succeeded by Chris Sutherland at the end of the 2023 season, was philosophical when describing his memorable tenure with the club.

The financial result was again supported by strong revenue growth, with record revenue recorded across several of our consumer and commercial departments, enabling us to fully maximise our investment in football as well as other club strategic priorities," Mr Alcock said.

"Thank you, Fremantle Dockers, for the journey, the lessons, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The legacy of the club is in capable hands, and I am confident that the future is bright with the promise of continued success."