ESSENDON has put the supplements scandal behind it in a financial sense, announcing a $5.1million net operating profit. 

It amounts to a turnaround of almost $15million after last year's $9.8million loss. 

The result will help the Bombers' quest to further expand their sprawling Tullamarine facility.

"In 2018 we will finalise plans for the new extension of our training facility at Melbourne Airport, to ensure state of the art resources for our football teams, and a venue our members and supporters will continue to be proud of," chief executive Xavier Campbell said. 

The Bombers total revenue was up $11.7million year-on-year to $65.2million. 

Record membership of 67,378 helped contribute to the solid numbers along with increased match returns and enhanced commercial deals. 

"This has been a year of progress from both a football and financial perspective, and we have witnessed pleasing increases across several key areas of our operations which directly impacted our bottom line," Campbell said. 

"Our exciting brand of football helped us achieve record membership of 67,768, increased match receipts with more than one million people attending Essendon games, and an increase in financial investment from our corporate partners and sponsors.

"On and off the field, the competition is more ruthless and competitive than ever, and we know we have to keep working harder and smarter and invest in the right areas of our club." 

Key points of Essendon's 2017 financial result:

  • Net operating profit - $5,054,186
  • Total revenue – $65,165,407
  • Net assets - $32,507,785
  • Membership tally – 67,378
  • Cash reserves – $2,036,791