Top 100 CEO Interviews
Issue No. 31 - October/November 2006
Goals of the game
The Top 100 SA Companies Index always springs a major surprise - and this year it's the South Australian National Football League.
In the past we have been foxed by the SANFL corporate structure. In fact this SA icon encompasses not only its nine local football clubs but also the state's AFL licenses that in effect are assets generating at least 50% of the SANFL's annual revenue.
The proud owner of a state league, the AFL licenses used by Adelaide Football Club (AFC) and Port Adelaide Football Club (PAFC) plus AAMI Stadium, the SANFL is also freehold owner of the 23 hectares of prime real estate upon which AAMI stadium and its surrounding facilities sit.
Established in 1877, the SANFL is the oldest of all football leagues, including the VFL from which the AFL was spawned, and just about the oldest member of the Top 100. It continues to go from strength to strength in its own right regardless of the awesome competition it gets for spectators from its AFL licensees.
Chief Executive, Leigh Whicker reports the SANFL committed more than $40 million to the continued upgrade of AAMI Stadium during the past 12 years and has current development plans totalling $22 million, over the next two years - as well as a number of major projects in the longer term.
“We have a strong focus toward youth development in the game and we do not underestimate the pull of other team sports in the community," Leigh says. "We spend over $3m per annum on this cause and continue to do more.”
He expresses deep appreciation to the corporate sector, the State Government and vital partnerships with SANFL and licensees AFC and PAFC.
“We must not underestimate the commercial viability of our catering and corporate functions facilities at West Lakes. They are comparable to any other in the State”.
The $2.3 million AAMI Stadium Convention Centre sits at the centre of this achievement in status.
In 2005-06 the SANFL's financial ...
