Sturt Football Club President Jason Kilic addressed a packed room of members at the Club’s Annual General Meeting held Tuesday 6 February.
Kilic’s message to all in attendance was one of pride with what the club was able to achieve in 2017 – a net operating surplus of $498,000, the Club’s fourth consecutive profit, premierships for the League, Reserves and Under 18’s, a record six players drafted to the AFL and the introduction of the Club’s first women’s league side for the 2018 season.
“We are approaching the 2018 season with so many exciting things to look forward to,” Kilic said.
“On field our lists are that of experience and youth that will all work towards executing Premiership Coach Marty Mattner’s game plan.”
Kilic praised the members for their ongoing support that has underpinned the Club’s strong financial performance over the last few years and called upon their financial support for the Unley Oval Grandstand Upgrade project that is due to start within days.
“Our goal is to ensure we have a facility that enables both males and females to be as good as they can be and to provide a venue that engenders community pride. We hope that all Sturt members and supporters will proudly look back on their Club’s evolution into a modern sporting club that is diverse and inclusive for the entire community”.
Kilic thanked The City of Unley, the AFL and the State and Federal Governments for their financial support of the project.
To date $2,552,500 has been pledged with the State Government last weekend announcing a grant of $482,500 towards the $4.9 million project. The Club’s commitment, on top of the money already pledged, is $500,000 but Kilic advised that the Club would be seeking to raise $1 million.
Kilic thanked all the Club’s sponsors including Major Sponsors Morris Finance Limited and Thomas Farms Kitchens, Oval Sponsor Australian Gas Networks (AGN) and Corporate Sponsor Total Investment Property Solutions (TIPS) for their ongoing support.
Incumbent Director Facilities, Mr. David Reynolds was re-elected and Mr. Ben Pledge who replaces Director Finance, Mr. Rick Goode was elected to the Board for two years.
There were two further Director announcements – Board appointments Jenny Hurley Managing Director of the Hurley Hotel Group and Carol Hutchings a qualified accountant and project manager.
“In an ever changing industry enhancing a further mix of skill and experience will add great value to our Board and the Club will benefit from Jenny and Carol’s insights”, said Kilic.