Business Development Report

2022 was once again a rollercoaster for all things Subiaco. Players, Members and Staff alike were required to show resilience through the ramifications of COVID-19. Despite the unpredictability, we saw growth in commercial support, subscriptions, and engagement. Following a 2021 Premiership, expectations were high for all departments at Subiaco Football Club and whilst the League did not end with the desired results, the season was still a step forward. Success is achieved through the continuous pursuit of perfection and those high standards shape the Club on and off the field and will continue going forward into 2023.

Corporate Partners

It has been another fantastic 12 months for our new and existing partners, with each partner playing an important role in the continued success of the Club. To those organisations who joined Subiaco as a partner in 2022 and those who renewed their partnership this year, I thank you for your support and look forward to long and fruitful relationships going forward. The Subiaco community would be unable to function without the ongoing generosity of our commercial partners. We would like to thank Wally Edwards and his team from Holman Industries for their continued support of the Subiaco Football Club in what was Holman’s fourth year as Principal Partner of Subiaco, and we are looking forward to the next two years of partnership and beyond. To the Club’s Platinum Sponsors; Nick Catania from North Perth Community Bank, Michael and Carol Hoskins from AE Hoskins Building Services, Aaron McDonald from Pragma Lawyers, Oliver Healy from AndersElite, Carl Leembruggen from The Leederville Precinct and Lee Parker from SKG Radiology, thank you all for your ongoing support of the Club. Subiaco welcomed new sponsors AndersElite, Rumble Subiaco, TECSEC, Little Things Gin, and Grand Cinemas, thank you for coming on board in 2022, and we look forward to many years to come. To all other partners from 2022, we thank you for assisting this great Club.

Communications

Subiaco saw growth in all communications streams throughout 2022 with our Instagram, Facebook and Website engagement ranking within the top three in the WAFL. We continue to explore communication channels to reach members, fans and potential supporters creating an in-depth perspective on all things Subiaco. We continued our aim at being industry leaders with new content for 2022 including the beloved Subi Sizzle, the refreshed-looking Game Day Score updates covering Colts through to League games every weekend, the Pragma Play of the Day, and many more segments. Utilizing industry trends, the Club will continue to look to implement these throughout 2023, and the addition of new content.

Match Days

Throughout the 2022 WAFL Premiership Season, Subiaco played host to NAIDOC Round, and North Perth Community Bank Cup, as well as hosting the first WAFL Game in Kalgoorlie since 2014. Despite the adversity provided by COVID-19 restrictions, an ever-evolving fixture listing and inadequate turf at Leederville Oval the Club recorded a total of 13,138 spectators across the nine (9) WAFL home games, only 100 fewer per game than in 2021. Including a home game in Kalgoorlie and at Shark Park, Season 2022 was full of surprises such as dual Brownlow Medalist Nat Fyfe making his return to Football against the Lions in Round 7 in front of a season-high, 2899 crowd. Overcoming the obstacles, we managed a slight decrease in gate takings ($) by 9.3% compared to the 2021 season. Whilst the decrease is disappointing, we are confident with fewer disruptions in 2023 an increase in attendance is inevitable. The season concluded with the 2022 WAFL Grand Final held at Leederville Oval. For the second time in three years, the WAFL Grand Final was played at a community ground; with resounding positivity. 16,791 spectators attended to record the highest attendance in venue history.

Appreciation

Thanks goes to Peter Capes and the Board of Directors of the Subiaco Football Club for their continued support, guidance, and knowledge towards Business Development. To Beau Wardman, Jamie Battigelli, Chayce Creedy, Leigh Kitchin and the entire playing group, thank you for allowing unprecedented access to all areas of the club. Through your assistance, there is no doubt that Subiaco is the best follow in football. To fellow staff members Karen South, Kristian Dicton, Stuart Berryman, McKenzie Sheppard, Zoe Bain and Jasmine Cookson (WAFC Development Officer), thank you for your support towards Business Development this year. In addition, the outgoing Zac Acott for his contributions throughout his tenure Subiaco Football Club, your legacy will be felt for years to come. To Matt Paddick, Jack Foley, Dana Jolliffe and Mark Pisarskis thank you for your assistance in 2022. These individuals have been crucial to the Club’s success in communications and ensuring match days were run smoothly this year. Thanks for volunteering your time and services over some the year.

Looking Ahead

Despite the hiccups provided by the 2022 WAFL Season, the Club made significant progress in key areas Looking ahead to the future of the Club, there is an increasing requirement to adapt to the modern consumer. Utilizing technological advancements and innovative thinking, we will continue to evolve creating a space for all with football as the vehicle.

We will continue to look at generating activity around the facilities we have at our disposal to help improve our financial position; especially working with the City of Vincent and East Perth Football Club to obtain naming rights for Leederville Oval, as it remained unnamed for the 6th straight year.

Will Rollo

Corporate Partnerships & Business Development Manager