Ben Buckley says he feels “very optimistic” about what the next 12 months holds for North Melbourne, despite the clear challenges of the current COVID-19 pandemic.

An extended postponement of the season has had a huge impact on the league and its clubs, but Buckley believes the hard work done over the past decade, and the level of continued support from members and partners like Mazda, will hold North in good stead.

“The good news is, and this is a credit to our fans, our supporters, our members, and ultimately the management team and board that have been in place for the last tenure … we started this major interruption with almost zero debt,” he told North Media.

“Clearly once we got our head around that there was going to be not a temporary halt to proceedings, but a substantial one, we started doing the forward planning and understanding what financial impact that would have on the club.”

While no games and the likelihood of no crowds this year means clubs will take a huge financial hit, Buckley said North will recover.

“While we don’t have a lot of assets or liquid assets to draw down upon, we are in a relatively stable financial position, where with almost zero debt, we can accumulate some over the next six to 12 months and still be in a reasonable position to manage our way out of it,” he said.

“That wouldn’t have happened without the hard work that’s gone on in the last ten years; to eradicate close to $10 million of debt.

“We’re fortunate to have been in a strong position right from the start.”

Buckley paid further tribute to members and club partners, who have shown amazing loyalty and support.

“I just can’t thank everyone enough for all the messages of support, the encouragement, the fact that they are sticking by us, whether that’s a sponsor or a member,” he added.

“It’s been a testament the loyalty and commitment and the passion our fans and supporters and sponsors have for the club.

“I’d like to thank everyone, on behalf of the board and the players and the staff for sticking with us. Thank you.” 

Watch the full Ben Buckley interview below.