Cook plans long road to recovery
GEELONG chief executive Brian Cook believes it could up to four years before the AFL industry recovers fully from the coronavirus disruption.
The Cats’ off-field fightback has started, with their expected debt from this year cut from $10 million to $5 million on the back of keeping far more membership revenue than expected.
The Cats are continuing to innovate and have also set the ambitious task of being cashneutral by the end of the year.
But Cook said the aftershocks of the COVID-19 shutdown would ripple through the game for several years, potentially impacting future membership, sponsorship and corporate profits.
“We will get through this,” Cook said on K rock Football about the future of the game.
“We’ll get back to where we (were) in maybe three or four years’ time, that’s my guess. It’s not going to happen in a year or two years — probably three or four years.
“I think we will still be going through some real financial problems next year, because I’m not sure what percentage of members and corporates will remain. That’s probably the best guess for me.
“One thing I’ve discovered about this situation is it’s hard to actually make a decision, because most aren’t good options. You’re picking the best out of a bad bunch. You’re forever doing that at the moment.
“We’ve just got to keep making sure we are patient.”
Despite the recent resumption of the season, about half of Geelong’s 130 staff remain stood down, while those working have returned only on part-time duties.
Cook said the club had worked hard on several initiatives to ensure all stood-down staff remained connected, but the club cannot guarantee all will eventually return.
Geelong’s eight full-time coaches have returned, but are on reduced wages.
The Cats are eagerly awaiting an update from the AFL regarding next season’s revised salary and soft caps, as well as limits on non-football staff costs, which will all determine how many people can keep their jobs.
The soft cap is expected to be trimmed by about $3.5 million to just over $6 million.
The delay is also preventing clubs from negotiating new contracts with players.
Cook said the club was hoping for clarity on salary caps and list sizes from the AFL in the coming weeks. The Cats have about 20 players out of contract at the end of the season, including Tom Hawkins, Brandan Parfitt, Harry Taylor, Zach Tuohy and Rhys Stanley.
Cook said Geelong was prepared to enter an interstate hub, if required, to play its role in ensuring the season continues.
He also ruled himself out of contention for the vacant Cricket Australia chief executive officer’s role, declaring he needed to steer the club through the current climate.