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Thunder back in the black

Peel will start the new season buoyed by a profit from last year and a potential $50,000 windfall from last night's sold-out NAB Challenge match at Bendigo Bank Stadium.

The Thunder reported a $6000 profit in 2014 - a small figure but one dramatically improved on their losses in previous years.

But that boost was aided by the club not making a payment to the WA Football Commission to help reduce the $400,000 loan taken out in 2008 to keep the club afloat.

Peel paid back $50,000 in 2013, but the WAFC financial statements released this week revealed that no payment was made last year, leaving a debt of $300,000.

"We are heading in the right direction," Thunder chief executive Bill Kostandas said.

"This result was not bolstered by transfer fees, but the result of increasing our member numbers, finding new revenue streams and being a strong presence in the community. I am confident that we will be sustainable and viable for the long term."

Like fellow alignment club East Perth, who returned a remarkable $356,083 profit last year, Peel have an advantage over the other clubs in not having to pay for their coaches and some of their football operations.

But six of the nine clubs reported profits last year, up one from the previous year, with West Perth improving their position by nearly $300,000 and South Fremantle recovering from their dire 2013.

Both clubs used 2013 to write down assets and make key balance sheet adjustments given that they have substantial ground improvements planned or being considered.

Claremont expect to face three tough years before their return to a redeveloped Claremont Oval.

The Tigers reported a $109,000 loss last year as they moved to a temporary home at Claremont Showground and have forecast bigger losses in the next two years. They responded to the deficit by increasing membership prices by nearly 50 per cent.

Kostandas said Peel would benefit significantly from last night's match between West Coast and Carlton with bar sales, catering and car parking revenue all going back to the club or its subsidiaries.

"The Mandurah Mustangs and the netball club will have kiosks, while we should get good returns from the bar and catering," Kostandas said. "Our memberships are also up 130 already on last year and we should go close to our target of 1400."

Peel have never played finals in their 18-year existence, but Kostandas was confident several key recruits, the presence of several more experienced Fremantle Dockers and the introduction of a top five could help change that.

"We lost six games by fewer than 20 points last year," he said.

"Had they been wins we would have had a 10-10 season, so we are not that far away."