Coronavirus: AFL & MFC

[Demonstone 23,115]

6 minutes ago, Diamond_Jim said:

by means of digital supervision

Keeping his finger on the pulse?

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,950]

1 hour ago, JakovichScissorKick said:

This is definitely curtains for GWS and Gold Coast.   They should never have come into the comp anyway.

Will be interesting to see how their players are divided to other clubs.    Standard of footy will increase big time.

I wouldn't be so sure. If some clubs have to go belly up, I suspect North and St Kilda are at greater risk. I could see North and Gold Coast merging and being based at the Gold Coast and similarly a combined St Kilda/ GWS operating out of Sydney. Purely from a business decision point of view it makes more sense to reduce the number of teams in Victoria, rather than NSW and Qld. (Especially if the NRL, which is reportedly in a worse position than the AFL, struggles to keep its teams afloat.)

[Palace Dees 2,352]

Forgive me if this has been mentioned or even began, but is there a Go Fund Me or some organised fund raising effort under way somewhere to ensure our club stays solvent?  I'm a pensioner but willing to contribute $500 for starters. If a quarter of our members did the same that is $5 million.  I want my club to survive! 

[rjay 25,202]

4 minutes ago, Palace Dees said:

Forgive me if this has been mentioned or even began, but is there a Go Fund Me or some organised fund raising effort under way somewhere to ensure our club stays solvent?  I'm a pensioner but willing to contribute $500 for starters. If a quarter of our members did the same that is $5 million.  I want my club to survive! 

The timing's not great mate...maybe when we get through this but at the moment there are a lot of people suffering and saving a footy club would be down the list.

Let the AFL sort what they have to as well and come back to this down the track.

[Leoncelli_36 2,264]

13 minutes ago, Palace Dees said:

Forgive me if this has been mentioned or even began, but is there a Go Fund Me or some organised fund raising effort under way somewhere to ensure our club stays solvent?  I'm a pensioner but willing to contribute $500 for starters. If a quarter of our members did the same that is $5 million.  I want my club to survive! 

I started the thread and others said it was the wrong time. I am not wealthy, but would happily match your 500. I actually think it is the time and just need someone to start it. 

[Mach5 4,768]

3 hours ago, hemingway said:

A positive message from this guy.

Will we hear anything from MFC President or CEO ?

Or have they been cut already ?

 

Staff found out today, you’d be hard pressed to find out before they did.

[Palace Dees 2,352]

5 minutes ago, rjay said:

The timing's not great mate...maybe when we get through this but at the moment there are a lot of people suffering and saving a footy club would be down the list.

Let the AFL sort what they have to as well and come back to this down the track.

I hear you, but it's a matter of choice. I'm not saying at the expense of other worthy causes but I'd like to think many of us would like to save the club and staff jobs before it gets too dire. Believe me, that's not fear mongering or too far away if wait 'until the time is right'.

[Leoncelli_36 2,264]

Any accountants amongst us that can decipher last year’s annual report and tell us where we sit? https://resources.melbournefc.com.au/aflc-melb/document/2019/12/16/392d79e2-bd8d-46b4-8db1-57f764504f4d/MFC_Financial-Report_2019_Digital.pdf

It looks as though we have f... all assets left, after selling the gaming licences. Staff costs of 31 million? Am I reading that right ? Where do we sit? Worried about the ‘financial investments’, as they too may be worth stuff all after all this. 

[Leoncelli_36 2,264]

5 minutes ago, Palace Dees said:

I hear you, but it's a matter of choice. I'm not saying at the expense of other worthy causes but I'd like to think many of us would like to save the club and staff jobs before it gets too dire. Believe me, that's not fear mongering or too far away if wait 'until the time is right'.

I think that’s what a lot of people here don’t understand. No positive cash flow for a business, which we are, is dire. Pubs and restaurants can at least adapt and do takeaway to generate some profit. Schools can work online and teachers get paid. A lot of blue collar jobs are continuing with adjustments. It’s sad stuff all round. But, this is our business. If you are a member of this Club, you are part of the business. The AFL won’t support all of the Vic clubs and some will go

[Lucifers Hero 40,487]

30 minutes ago, Leoncelli_36 said:

Any accountants amongst us that can decipher last year’s annual report and tell us where we sit? https://resources.melbournefc.com.au/aflc-melb/document/2019/12/16/392d79e2-bd8d-46b4-8db1-57f764504f4d/MFC_Financial-Report_2019_Digital.pdf

It looks as though we have f... all assets left, after selling the gaming licences. Staff costs of 31 million? Am I reading that right ? Where do we sit? Worried about the ‘financial investments’, as they too may be worth stuff all after all this. 

This post in another thread has a bit of a run down on our financial situation.  imv it is not strong. 

 

We had a massive cash shortfall this year to the tune of about $10.0m so we used up all our cash reserves (incl sale of Leighoak cash) to cover it and cover expenses and to avoid debt. 

No idea what the 'fiancial investments' are and there is no 'Note' to explain them.

Edited March 24, 2020 by Lucifer's Hero

[Pates 9,661]

The players stance is a really interesting one. I totally sympathise with them as a lot of them their playing career is going to be their major life earner so they have to cash in now or risk losing out in the future. 

But on the other hand the clubs and the AFL can't pay them what they don't have and the simple fact is there is no incoming cash flow. I don't know if there would be an option to defer salaries? But if the players demand to continue with being payed what they are asking they might as well start getting out red pens and striking clubs off the list because they won't survive, and I fear we might be one of them.

Well done to Chris Scott as well, fantastic leadership and a great gesture back to the club and the game. 

[drysdale demon 4,837]

3 hours ago, hemingway said:

A positive message from this guy.

Will we hear anything from MFC President or CEO ?

Or have they been cut already ?

 

2 hours ago, hemingway said:

Trying to find the accounts? Oops the system crashed and all records erased. Looking to see if there are any IOUs on the back of envelopes or napkins.

If either did come out with messages many on this site would just accuse them of empty words.Too much conjecture going on in this site by many who wouldn't have a clue and are not privy to the details of how the AFL and clubs are trying to stay afloat.

[Diamond_Jim 12,643]

The other elephant in the room is memberships. While many may see it as a donation the fact remains that people have paid for a service that will not be delivered and it is their choice not the club's as to whether a refund is sought.

Is there any different approach to say an MCC or AFL membership to that of a club membership. Do you consider the reserved seat fee differently and the list goes on.

I was considering cancelling Kayo this morning as there is simply no live sport available. I decided to wait and see if they cut the monthly sub by say half and I could support that business in that way. Lots of decisions to be made.

[Pates 9,661]

6 minutes ago, Diamond_Jim said:

The other elephant in the room is memberships. While many may see it as a donation the fact remains that people have paid for a service that will not be delivered and it is their choice not the club's as to whether a refund is sought.

That is massive, there will be people out there struggling who will see that membership as a service that can't be honoured and they will feel they need that money back to help their family as they batten down the hatches.

[Sir Why You Little 37,242]

43 minutes ago, drysdale demon said:

 

If either did come out with messages many on this site would just accuse them of empty words.Too much conjecture going on in this site by many who wouldn't have a clue and are not privy to the details of how the AFL and clubs are trying to stay afloat.

Give it a rest Dry

[drysdale demon 4,837]

29 minutes ago, Sir Why You Little said:

Give it a rest Dry

I will, just about to go bed.

Suggest you do the same to save embarrassing yourself anymore.

[Palace Dees 2,352]

1 hour ago, Leoncelli_36 said:

I think that’s what a lot of people here don’t understand. No positive cash flow for a business, which we are, is dire. Pubs and restaurants can at least adapt and do takeaway to generate some profit. Schools can work online and teachers get paid. A lot of blue collar jobs are continuing with adjustments. It’s sad stuff all round. But, this is our business. If you are a member of this Club, you are part of the business. The AFL won’t support all of the Vic clubs and some will go

 

1 hour ago, Leoncelli_36 said:

I started the thread and others said it was the wrong time. I am not wealthy, but would happily match your 500. I actually think it is the time and just need someone to start it. 

 

Thanks ‘Chell’.  I believe there would be a lot of people out there thinking the way we do.  I have no fundraising experience but have been giving myself a crash course in GoFundMe this last hour or so to see if that would be a viable option. It seems around 98% goes directly to the cause with almost all the fee being credit card costs, which seems reasonable. Frankly, if there is someone here with the time and expertise to get something going I would prefer that.  Failing this, I am willing to take it on.

I want to make sure it is absolutely safe for mine and everyone else’s money first and that it goes to the club.  Of course the MFC may organise something themselves which is the preferred option.  I will be attempting to contact them tomorrow and ask the question and to see if they are comfortable for me to start something if they have no plans.  As a 41 year member and former office volunteer they have my details. I am also willing to give these to Demonland moderators.

Rjay is absolutely correct when he says people are suffering. The Government is and will continue to assist financially and through a variety of other means to minimise the pain. Personally, I have lost $40k of my moderate superannuation and yesterday was my last day of work in my daily part-time time until further notice – whenever that is.  I am now totally reliant on my aged pension.  

But where rjay is wrong is in believing saving a football club is down the list for so many of us. This club has been the one constant in mine and many others lives.  What price do you put on that? It will take time, but this virus will be controlled. My super will rebound. The scars will remain for the rest of our life perhaps but on top of all this, I don’t want 2020 to be the last entry on our clubs headstone.

[John Crow Batty 8,879]

1 hour ago, Pates said:

That is massive, there will be people out there struggling who will see that membership as a service that can't be honoured and they will feel they need that money back to help their family as they batten down the hatches.

Well the members will be down the very bottom of the list of creditors assuming the club has any money left. If one has lost their job and access to finances then loss of membership money is no big deal. The cost of membership won’t go very far today. For me I won’t be pursuing any restitutuion. The club needs it and I will let the monthly deductions continue.

Edited March 24, 2020 by america de cali

[Leoncelli_36 2,264]

2 minutes ago, Palace Dees said:

 

 

Thanks ‘Chell’.  I believe there would be a lot of people out there thinking the way we do.  I have no fundraising experience but have been giving myself a crash course in GoFundMe this last hour or so to see if that would be a viable option. It seems around 98% goes directly to the cause with almost all the fee being credit card costs, which seems reasonable. Frankly, if there is someone here with the time and expertise to get something going I would prefer that.  Failing this, I am willing to take it on.

I want to make sure it is absolutely safe for mine and everyone else’s money first and that it goes to the club.  Of course the MFC may organise something themselves which is the preferred option.  I will be attempting to contact them tomorrow and ask the question and to see if they are comfortable for me to start something if they have no plans.  As a 41 year member and former office volunteer they have my details. I am also willing to give these to Demonland moderators.

Rjay is absolutely correct when he says people are suffering. The Government is and will continue to assist financially and through a variety of other means to minimise the pain. Personally, I have lost $40k of my moderate superannuation and yesterday was my last day of work in my daily part-time time until further notice – whenever that is.  I am now totally reliant on my aged pension.  

But where rjay is wrong is in believing saving a football club is down the list for so many of us. This club has been the one constant in mine and many others lives.  What price do you put on that? It will take time, but this virus will be controlled. My super will rebound. The scars will remain for the rest of our life perhaps but on top of all this, I don’t want 2020 to be the last entry on our clubs headstone.

Ripper post mate. We think the same way

[faultydet 7,623]

4 hours ago, JakovichScissorKick said:

This is definitely curtains for GWS and Gold Coast.   They should never have come into the comp anyway.

Will be interesting to see how their players are divided to other clubs.    Standard of footy will increase big time.

I dont think so. At least I don't think it's a foregone conclusion.

Imagine if the comp actually does get its remaining 150 odd games in with finals, meaning a large proportion of revenue is paid via T.V rights.  The comp could bounce back quickly, but with an overhauled structure featuring reduced lists/salary cap, and smaller footy department budgets. The crowds will be massive after such a break, so hope for us to be drawn to play home games against some big clubs at the G regardless of how it impacts our chance of winning.

Also look for some sort of AFL future fund to be established in case this type of thing ever happens again.

[daisycutter 29,799]

4 hours ago, demonstone said:

Keeping his finger on the pulse?

checking prostates?

[Sir Why You Little 37,242]

1 hour ago, drysdale demon said:

 

Suggest you do the same to save embarrassing yourself anymore.

I can look after myself thanks all the same   
was this you a few years back??

https://youtu.be/5y2WIOa7CEI

[drysdale demon 4,837]

11 hours ago, Sir Why You Little said:

I can look after myself thanks all the same   
was this you a few years back??

https://youtu.be/5y2WIOa7CEI

Very good, I take it you are playing all the other roles.

[Lucifers Hero 40,487]

I find it reprehensible that players led by Dangerfield and mouthpiece Nick Riewoldt are digging their heals in on pay cuts.  Their seemingly reasonable offer (reasonable to them) to take a 50% cut till end of May actually equates to just 8% per annum! 

Meanwhile, those they rely on the most to earn any income at all: coaches, football, fitness, medical staff and even admin staff have lost their jobs or work cut back.

Realistically, players (about 400 of them) earning less than the average of about $350,000 is already taking a massive pay cut because their contracts would have a large 'matches played' component.  It is Dangerfield, Riewoldt and the like that have the big guaranteed contracts.  Where is their care for their younger, less experienced colleagues?

I would have a bit sympathy if the 'leaders' said any player with a contract less than (eg) $100,000 was protected from any reduction.  Note: this player would have already lost income by loss of 'match payments'.  This would cover Rookies, first and second year draftees. Then a sliding scale % increase with size of contract so the bigger the contract the bigger the hair cut in $ terms.

Right now, Dangerfield and Riewoldt look like greedy and stubborn plicks!! 

Edited March 24, 2020 by Lucifer's Hero

[drysdale demon 4,837]

13 hours ago, Palace Dees said:

 

 

Thanks ‘Chell’.  I believe there would be a lot of people out there thinking the way we do.  I have no fundraising experience but have been giving myself a crash course in GoFundMe this last hour or so to see if that would be a viable option. It seems around 98% goes directly to the cause with almost all the fee being credit card costs, which seems reasonable. Frankly, if there is someone here with the time and expertise to get something going I would prefer that.  Failing this, I am willing to take it on.

I want to make sure it is absolutely safe for mine and everyone else’s money first and that it goes to the club.  Of course the MFC may organise something themselves which is the preferred option.  I will be attempting to contact them tomorrow and ask the question and to see if they are comfortable for me to start something if they have no plans.  As a 41 year member and former office volunteer they have my details. I am also willing to give these to Demonland moderators.

Rjay is absolutely correct when he says people are suffering. The Government is and will continue to assist financially and through a variety of other means to minimise the pain. Personally, I have lost $40k of my moderate superannuation and yesterday was my last day of work in my daily part-time time until further notice – whenever that is.  I am now totally reliant on my aged pension.  

But where rjay is wrong is in believing saving a football club is down the list for so many of us. This club has been the one constant in mine and many others lives.  What price do you put on that? It will take time, but this virus will be controlled. My super will rebound. The scars will remain for the rest of our life perhaps but on top of all this, I don’t want 2020 to be the last entry on our clubs headstone.

 

15 hours ago, Leoncelli_36 said:

I started the thread and others said it was the wrong time. I am not wealthy, but would happily match your 500. I actually think it is the time and just need someone to start it. 

I am with you both on this and would like to see something organised sooner rather than later.