IN these days of multi-million dollar turnovers it is nothing extra ordinary but for the Western Bulldogs any year that they can return a profit is a good year.

And for the fifth consecutive year they have done just that in announcing an operating profit of $121,762 for the year ending October 31, 2011.

Bulldogs Chief Executive, Simon Garlick, said today that while it was pleasing the Club had posted its fifth consecutive profit, this year’s result reflected a particularly challenging year on the field.

“While the downturn in our on-field performance in 2011 has certainly had an impact on the business this year, the Club’s strategic direction remains strong and on track, underpinned by our comprehensive five-year Business Plan, ” Garlick said.

“This blueprint is designed to strategically position the Club to build the strongest of futures aligned with the growth of Melbourne’s West”.

Garlick said the recent allocation of AFL Club Future Fund Model represented a significant vote of confidence in the Western Bulldogs’ strategy to ‘Win the West’.

“The Bulldogs’ strategy in the Western Region of Melbourne is already showing dividends. This year’s membership figures show that 45 of the top 50 Bulldogs Membership suburbs were based in the West in 2011 and more than 1 in 10 Members called the Hoppers Crossing and Werribee area home - confirming Melbourne’s West as the Bulldogs’ backyard.”

Garlick also thanked Members and Fans for their generous support of the Bulldogs’ Bulldoze the Debt campaign with the initiative raising funds well in excess of our expectations this year, which will enable the Club to contribute $800,000 to our bank debt.

The recent completion of the $31 million redevelopment of Whitten Oval was also a key achievement in 2011.

“This significant investment has resulted in the Club having some of the leading community, commercial and elite sporting facilities in the competition,” Garlick said.

‘I urge all Members and Fans to join the Western Front in 2012 and continue to get behind the team as we head into a new era at Whitten Oval,” Garlick concluded.

The Club is also looking forward to the expected appointment of Chris Grant to the Western Bulldogs’ Board at the Club’s upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) in December.

Grant, who joins current Board Director Gaye Hamilton as one of two uncontested nominations for the two Board vacancies open at the AGM, will be a significant asset to the Bulldogs, especially in the key position of Football Director.