East Fremantle Football Club chief executive Adrian Bromage has outlined the current off-field situation at Moss Street.
East Fremantle chief executive Adrian Bromage has candidly responded to a wide range of recent allegations aimed at the club on both radio and social media.
A series of claims regarding the off-field status at Moss Street were discussed on Perth radio early Wednesday morning – primarily relating to the club’s present financial status and board.
Over the past week, the Sharks have also been on the receiving end of substantial social media commentary surrounding their women’s program, stemming from the recent delisting of decorated former club captain Ashleigh Gomes.
In conversation with Business News, Mr Bromage addressed each claim individually.
East Fremantle’s current financial position prior to end of football financial year (October 31 2025)
The Sharks posted a net loss of $17,277 during the 2024 season, down from a $139,924 loss in 2023.
This was primarily due to being unable to access their home ground which was being re-developed.
As a result, the club’s total equity sat at -$2196 as of October 31 2024.
It was alleged during a radio segment on Wednesday morning that the Sharks’ total debt was in the vicinity of $500,000 – however Mr Bromage said recent financial support from the state government, events and debtor payments meant the club appeared on course for a ‘modest profit’ in FY25.
“At one stage – before additional support from CITS (Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport) – our creditors sat at $500,000,” Mr Bromage said.
“The comment failed to recognise debtors on the other side of the ledger!
“(It’s) a very different position now following $240,000 funding from CITS and debtor payments. October events were very successful including a profitable gala auction.”
The Sharks CEO also provided an unaudited financial snapshot of the club heading into the new football financial year, which will begin on November 1.
“A modest profit will eventuate in FY25 supported by the financial assistance agreement – (a capital expenditure grant) – from CITS and then extension, an additional $240,000, of the FAA in September,” he said.
“Assets (scoreboard, fit out and signage) have been added during the 2025 season that will add positively to the net asset position of the Balance sheet FY25.
“All players, coaches and support staff honorarium commitments have been met.
“Creditors and debtors are more balanced with payment plans into 2026 with a couple of major creditors established.
“Payments from F&B profit share are now flowing monthly to club/s (and our) FY26 forecast budget and cashflow shows positive uplift – however things will require hard work, close management and stakeholder support.”
Current status of the East Fremantle board and presidency
Mr Bromage said three elected board members – Darren Gaspar, Tony Micale and Con Tripi – resigned in September, prior to the club receiving additional government assistance.
He also addressed a claim that vice-president Danielle Green was poised to become the club’s new president.
“Ennio (Tavani, club president) has another full year in his term,” the Sharks CEO said.
“Danielle and remaining board members’ contributions over the past month have been extraordinary.”
East Fremantle’s decision to move its best and fairest back to club headquarters
Mr Bromage outlined why the club elected to relocate its 2025 Lynn Medal and WAFLW fairest and best awards night from an external hospitality venue to the Carnaby’s Bar and Restaurant – and rejected a claim that the club lost an $8000 deposit due to the venue switch.
“Exaggerated – it was $3900,” he said. The move back to Carnaby’s portrayed a net saving of $15,000 for the event.
“The night was a raging success back at our own venue – 250 attended a joint men’s and women’s event.
“Substantial F&B saving and the spend contributes back the EFFC revenue share and assists in reaching the revenue threshold, which triggers increased percentage of revenue shared when achieved.
“It is critical that we host as many events as possible back at our venue into the future.”
On whether East Fremantle asked for financial assistance from WA Football
“The EFFC requested short-term cashflow assistance from WA Football in September while the acquittal process and additional funding request was in action with CITS and the state government,” Mr Bromage told Business News.
“Due to the fast response from Rita Saffioti’s office and CITS, that short-term assistance package from WA Football, whilst rejected, was not required.
“WA football did advance the EFFC one month’s payment in November 2024, which now sits on our balance sheet as a liability.
“We appreciate any support given by WA football.”
East Fremantle Football Club women’s program
Over the past week, social media has been abuzz with stinging appraisal in certain sectors following the Sharks’ decision to not renew the contract of premiership winning captain Ashleigh Gomes, who played 141 games.
It was announced earlier this month that David Emes had been appointed senior coach, following the departure of Matt Templeton.
Mr Templeton, who routinely commuted to training and games from his base in the South West, will coach Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault’s men’s league side next year in the SWFL.
Mr Bromage said the club would not respond to social media allegations and in a statement, outlined what the women’s program will ideally look like heading into the 2026 season.
“This decision was a considered list-management outcome made collectively by the football department and the club,” he said.
“It was not an axing, but a strategic move designed to provide opportunity for the next generation of emerging leaders and players within our women’s program.
“Ashleigh has been an exceptional contributor to East Fremantle over more than a decade – a premiership captain, a respected teammate, and a central figure in the development of our women’s program.
“The club extends its sincere gratitude for her service and commitment on and off the field.
“During the 2025 season, head coach Matthew Templeton advised the club that he would not be continuing in the role beyond this year due to increasing professional commitments.
“With several senior retirements and the appointment of a new coach, the timing is right to reset and continue building a program that reflects the future of women’s football at East Fremantle.
“As the WAFLW competition continues to evolve, our program is entering a new phase – one focused on sustainable growth, player development, and leadership renewal.
“We believe it is vital to create space for emerging talent to step into greater responsibility both in leadership and playing roles, particularly within our midfield group where several younger players are now ready for increased opportunity.”
