The result, which was achieved despite a challenging year on-field and fewer blockbuster home games in season 2025, demonstrates the Club’s financial discipline and resilience. The modest profit was driven by a 3.5% increase in revenue across the business, which grew to $81.64 million.
The Club also reported a cash profit before depreciation and amortisation of $4.90 million. The Club remains in a robust financial position with net assets of $51.29 million and no bank borrowings, and is budgeting for further growth across key areas of the business in 2026.
Our strength as a Club is underpinned by the incredible support of Essendon’s members and supporters, with 85,568 members (up from 83,664 in 2024) maintaining the membership base as the lifeblood of the Club. This result is a testament to their commitment, and the Club sincerely thanks them for their continued support.
The Club continues to invest in football infrastructure, with renewal works already commenced on the Windy Hill precinct with the assistance of a $0.66 million grant. The costs of operating two major football venues are significant and the Club remains determined to deliver outstanding football venues while commercialising our sites to the maximum extent possible. We also maintain our focus on football department spend across all our football programs to ensure our players and coaches are provided with elite facilities and resources.
The Club would also like to acknowledge the important contributions of its 2025 commercial partners, including AFL co-major partners Dutton Automotive, Fujitsu General Australia, and AFLW co-major partner with Fujitsu General Australia, Toyota Material Handling Australia.
President Andrew Welsh paid tribute to the Essendon community for their incredible support during the year.
“Maintaining a strong, profitable football club is critical, as it allows us to consistently reinvest in every aspect of Essendon, from core football operations to essential community objectives. While football is always our fundamental focus, the contributions from our non-core businesses are vital to securing the necessary funding for that investment,” Welsh said.
“The financial health of our Club is underpinned by the incredible loyalty of our members and our commercial partners. We recognise that being a member represents a powerful investment, both emotional and financial. This incredible commitment and loyalty from our member base, is the core of the Club's financial strength.
“On behalf of everyone at Essendon, I thank our major partners Dutton Automotive, Fujitsu General Australia, and Toyota Material Handling Australia and our premium partners NEC, Yakult, Liberty Financial, Palo Alto Networks, Coles Supermarkets and TRADIE and all our other commercial partners, Essendon Network and Club coteries who continue to support Essendon.
“This outcome is a testament to the hard work of the Board, our players, staff, and the unwavering support of our Members and supporters.
“As we look ahead, the Club is guided by a clear strategy, ensuring we continue to deliver excellence across all areas of our operations, both on and off the field.”
The 2025 Essendon Football Club Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held at the Essendonians Function Centre, The NEC Hangar, 32 Watson Drive, Melbourne Airport on Wednesday December 17, 2025 at 6.30pm.
To read the 2025 Annual Report, please click here.
