The league held its annual general meeting on Wednesday, November 24 and announced a $54,137 loss for the 2021 season.
With only 11 games played in the cancelled season, the league attributed the impacts of the pandemic to the loss.
However, the GVL still holds $203,440 worth of net assets.
League chair David Roff highlighted that the board expected the 2021 season to end in a deficit.
“The board anticipated this result after taking a conscious decision to reduce fees for clubs and assist with other costs such as umpiring, video filming and production costs of the Weekender — the value of these measures exceeded $60,000,” he said.
“During the current pandemic, the Goulburn Valley League’s number one priority has continued to be the health and well-being of its supporters, players, umpires, officials, partners, volunteers and committees and everyone across all our local communities.
“Our ultimate aim was that we would head into 2022 with all 12 of our member clubs.”
Roff also announced that the league paid out $10,000 of its final grant to one club to help assist with capital improvements.
The figure paid out to all clubs — which was achieved thanks to the proceeds from the sale of the league’s former office — now sits at a total of $120,000.
“Whilst the 2021 season wasn’t what we had hoped for, we continue to support our clubs and have begun our planning for 2022 with all 12 clubs ready to participate,” GVL operations manager Josephine Spencer said.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our club volunteers, club executives and committees, players, community members, our valued sponsors and AFL Goulburn Murray for their patience and ongoing support as we have been navigating through these unprecedented times.”
Meanwhile, the recent AGM allowed for some changes in personnel on the GVL board.
Brett Stevens did not seek re-election and his position has been filled by Anthony Putt.
Freddo McMahon and Mick Williams were both re-elected to the board for another two-year term.
“We welcome Anthony who was elected to fill the space that Brett leaves,” Roff said.
“Brett followed a successful period as Echuca club president with a valuable contribution to the board and Anthony’s background in the governance of not-for-profit organisations and his football background will be a real asset going forward.”