The AFL in 2010 is a footy fan’s nightmare. Unless you support Collingwood, that is. The Pies are on top, and worse than that, they appear to be the real deal, with depth that surely can not be sustainable in an environment of salary caps and two new clubs entering.
We’ll have to wait and see. One wonders where Josh Fraser will be next year.
The AFL has put forward some rule change suggestions for comment, which has sparked the usual outrage of “leave the game alone”. Which is odd given that some have criticised changes that in part might be rolled back a tad via the interchange proposals.
It seems “leave the game alone” is in itself a floating position.
This gets to season 2010 attendances. Love it or hate it (the game as played in 2010), the Home and Away attendances are at record pace, so far averaging 37,140 – the previous record is 36,996.
With two rounds to go, the AFL needs to draw a tad under 569,000 patrons through the turnstiles to set a new record.
And so, despite such examples as North having six home games against inter-staters (box office poison) with paltry crowds at Etihad, or Port having their worst season yet at the gate … despite these, the AFL is on record pace.
Collingwood no doubt has played a role.
A record home attendance average of over 65,000 thus far. Granted, Collingwood hosted this year’s Anzac Day clash. However, their previous best average was 59,213, back in 2008. That’s a handy increase of 6,000 or 10 percent.
Not bad when talking such large numbers.
beaver fever
Guest
I know whats laughable !!.
MattS
Guest
I wouldn't believe anything the AFL prints about attendences. Some are just laugable. A cricket club employee at the Gabba toldme they had 18,000 for the game (Lions) against Adelaide but put the attendance at 25,000 odd. Ticketed members are counted even though they don't attend. 23,000 for North Melbourne v St Kilda last week. Please. As AFL fans you should seriously ask questions and stop taking things so blindly.
Anthony
Guest
Shhh....please don't talk about increased attendances for the AFL. Only last year we were told by league/soccer fans that AFL attendances had dropped (down to just over 36,000 av) & this would continue because NRL & A-league were on the march, & our quaint Aussie game had no future. It's all Collingwood's fault....even Masters & Foster hate C/wood!!
beaver fever
Guest
TBH i am suprised that we are on course for record crowds, the Lions, Swans, Crows and Eagles have all had either bad or not great seasons. As i mentioned before if the Eagles and Crows were up and about, as well as Essendon, the record would be smashed. Cosidering mnay of the finals will be in Melbourne this year, overall the record may be broke, but it wil be close. As far as TV viewing goes, i would imagine up in Victoria and down everywhere else, WA friday night footy has to be fixed, many people just dont bother with it's 8;30WST time start. Swans are way down, but QLD despite a pathetic Lions team still respectable.
beaver fever
Guest
I refer you to this thread , and some posts which, quite frankly are wrong, when these so called "honest mistakes" around statistics are pointed out, the poster involved still refuses to acknowledge that he is wrong. Is this the sort of pettiness you are referring to ??. http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/08/17/too-many-blowouts-and-crazy-attendances-in-afl/
Richard
Roar Guru
The rise in attendances is accompanied I understand by a fall in the television audience. This has got to be a concern at AFL HQ don't you think. Anyway, despite the election, I for one will be at the game tonight to cheer on the 'Pies. No nightmare! I want to experience every moment of the 2010 season, just in case the 'Pies give me reason to cherish it for the rest of my life. By the way, Julia, you're forgiven
Joel
Guest
Today will punish their average. A cliff hanger election and a game against a weak interstate side, I wouldn't be surprised if the attendance tonight drops to the mid to low 30's. I guess this will give someone the opportunity to take the attendance out of context, reference it in five years or so as evidence of the AFL's decline. You know, like what they do with that Sydney final.