Official Statement
23 September 2024
Frankston Football Club Board changes
After a long and distinguished tenure, David Friend has announced his retirement from the role as President of the Frankston Football Club, to spend more time with his family in their new home on the Mornington Peninsula.
David’s contribution has been immense.
Since joining the Board in 2017, David has overseen the Club’s recovery and growth immediately following its darkest chapter.
David successfully led the Club after it was placed in voluntary administration and lost its VFL licence. Through this period, David oversaw a regime which rebuilt the Club from the ground up, making many strategic decisions and key appointments along the way.
Among the highlights of David’s tenure as President are:
- the turnaround of the Club’s financial position, from net debt of over $300,000 to being debt free with 4 consecutive annual surplus results;
- more than doubling the Club’s revenue from just over $900,000 in 2017 to over $1.97 million in 2023;
- introduction of the women’s football program, which culminated in a premiership in 2024 – the Club’s first premiership of any kind since 1997;
- following the decision to appoint Jackson Kornberg as full-time coach, the men’s team making finals in the Victorian Football League for the first time since 2008; and
- investing in the Functions by the Bay business, now the largest income stream for the Club.
The Board, staff, players and members of the Frankston Football Club thank David for his contribution, which has ensured that the Club has and will continue to remain viable and competitive – an enormous legacy.
To ensure continuity and an orderly transition, David has agreed to remain as a non-executive member of the Board.
James van Beek has also resigned from the Board effective immediately. James joined in 2020 and has been pivotal in rebuilding the Club’s financial health, compliance and reporting. James moved to Queensland in 2022 and has continued to serve as Treasurer remotely while the Club has transitioned to new leadership under CEO, Fraser Bayne.
The Frankston Football Club wishes James well and thanks him for his significant contribution.
Board appointments:
In line with clause 21.10 of the Frankston Football Club Constitution, the following Board members have been appointed as Officers of the Board: to fill:
- Steven Finocchiaro (formerly Secretary) has been appointed as President. Steven brings a wealth of experience and knowledge having served on the Board since 2020. Professionally, Steven is a corporate/M&A lawyer with Becketts Lawyers. Steven serves as a member of the disciplinary tribunals for the Victorian Amateur Football League (VAFA) and Football Victoria (FV).
- Stephen Batty has been appointed as Treasurer. Stephen has significant experience in event and venue management having served as Operations Manager at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Marvel Stadium. Stephen is a qualified accountant and has extensive experience in cost budgeting, auditing and general accounting services. Stephen joined the Board in 2022.
- Jonathan Reichwald has been appointed as Secretary. Jonathan is an executive in the Victorian Public Service, responsible for industry policy at the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions. He joined the Board in 2022 and has previously served as Club Secretary at the Parkdale Cricket Club.
The Board of the Frankston Football Club now comprises:
- Steven Finocchiaro (President);
- Pippa Hanson (Vice President);
- Stephen Batty (Treasurer);
- Jonathan Reichwald (Secretary);
- David Friend;
- Donna Rooks;
- Brad Sykes; and
- Marc Ablett.
All Board changes take effect from 20 September 2024.
Please direct any enquiries to Secretary, Jonathan Reichwald on 0422 326 339.
