I was there in spirit. 

I posted this in the 3 Word Analysis thread, - just because attendance was brought up in it. It's a comment on both Saturday and the views about us now being able to do without  the money for Darwin that were being brought up last week.

Playing in Darwin v MCG.

The key point I want to make is that 27,000 was a substantial increase on previous attendances against Port. It is likely that a game at the G against Adelaide may have had a few more, but the pie in the sky estimates of 40,000 at the G if we hadn't played in Darwin are so far off the mark, that it is worth noting and remembering.

A number of people have brushed off the financial need for games in Darwin without being realistic about where the club is at right now.

One more thing, a lot of people become members to support the club.  They may attend few or no games, but they want to contribute financially. Saturday's attendance was pretty respectable, - and after seeing the attendance at Collingwood's game, its astonishing that anybody would be critical. 

I was there and it was my birthday. What a fantastic present

I actually didn't think it was all that cold at the game. It's colder for those 3:20pm games once it gets to 3qt. 

It didn't even rain, so if you removed the wind, it was perfect conditions (no glare either).

Edited July 24, 20178 yr by At the break of Gawn

10 minutes ago, At the break of Gawn said:

I actually didn't think it was all that cold at the game

Depends where you were. I was cosy on level 2, I hear ground and top deck the wind was freezing.
 

I reckon few neutrals rock up to watch vic based teams v interstates. MCC looked thinner than usual. Oddly, saw some members whom I've not seen all season using their seats, not sure what to make of that. 

5 hours ago, Diamond_Jim said:

Does anyone have an idea of the prices for a trip to Hobart this weekend? Imagine a boat load of Dees supporters heading to Launceston and then bussing to Hobart.

I worked out very roughly last week that it'd cost ~$300 for return flight to Hobart (arrive early morning, leave same day late evening), car hire for a day and ticket to match.

Edited July 24, 20178 yr by JTR

I'd like to congratulate the supporters who were able to make it. The noise, shouting, barracking, heckling - whatever you want to call it - was just as ferocious and manic as the boys' efforts on the field, particularly early.

The sniff of September was in all our snouts, and the atmosphere in the crowd was as rabid, parochial and electric as it's been all year. And this was in the supposed polite confines of the MCC! (Back still sore from throwing my daughters in the air - and just starting to get my voice back after a few days hoarse!)

4 hours ago, Demonland said:

27,068. Pathetic really.

We are a team on the cusp of making the finals for the first time in a decade. I know it was cold. I know we were playing an interstate team but how are we to be taken seriously as a "blockbuster" team if we can't get our own bums on seats?

If Geelong are slated to play the Tigers in a final there will be no question that that game gets played on the G rather than in Geelong. If we line up against the Cats I guarantee you we are playing at Simmonds.

Get your arses, your mates arses, your mums and dads, grannies and grandpas, your cats and dogs to the footy.

Mini rant over.

I was there and I agree to some extent but there weren't many Port supporters as usual. This makes the crowd about 20,000-25,000 short of what it would be if we were playing a Victorian team.

15 minutes ago, Watts2Hogan said:

Depends where you were. I was cosy on level 2, I hear ground and top deck the wind was freezing.
 

I reckon few neutrals rock up to watch vic based teams v interstates. MCC looked thinner than usual. Oddly, saw some members whom I've not seen all season using their seats, not sure what to make of that. 

It was F-ing freezing.

I was top deck in Olympic, right next to MCC and it wasn't too bad.

It's usually pretty sheltered up there, compared to Southern Stand

1 hour ago, Demonland said:

I thought the attendance at the Bulldogs game (even though an away game) was poor too.

It was.

I was there and definitely noticed the smaller crowd. But we've had really good turnouts overall for the year. I wouldn't be getting upset over one week.

surprised that so many are taking this personally.  its just a discussion about the crowd, which was low.

I would have thought that a Sat 2pm game, with no rain and with us finally in finals contention would have attracted more people. members attend when then can, but I thought more fans would attend.  maybe people are starting to warm to sunday games or twilight? I know I am as I can get stuff done on satdy/family stuff and then attend a later game

quoting attendences from other teams not in finals contention isnt really a comparison as there is always a drop off for the poor teams

I thought the crowd was disappointing too. The MCC forecast 33k and they are usually pretty spot on. Realistically, people didn't come because of the weather, which is a bit soft in my opinion given there are 80k seats under cover. Overall though, if anyone ever bags Melbourne crowds show them this report which shows we are the most loyal fans in the comp: http://www.roymorgan.com/findings/7184-which-afl-teams-have-most-engaged-supporters-201703221004 

I have an 11 game membership but can only attend 4-5 games a year unfortunately this wasn't a game I attended, I could just buy a country membership that gives me 5 games but I can afford the more expensive 11 game so I consider it a donation to the club 

5 hours ago, Choke said:

Was parenting.

If it makes you feel better though, I managed to get my 4 year old daughter to watch almost 10 minutes with me - which is a new record for her.

My 6 year old son is completely uninterested. It might have something to do with the 2m Max Gawn height measuring chart he was sent earlier this year as part of his membership package. I put it up in his room and it scared the [censored] out of him. Had to take it down. Ol Max now lives in his wardrobe, which I must now shut completely before bed each night.

Also, on the uninterested side, I tried to get him on track by taking him to Auskick when the season started. It was pathetic. 200 odd kids and 4 coaches. A few witches hats and a bunch of balls, and I ended up running the drills for my son's group. I know nothing about teaching footy or kids. They didn't even explain what the drills were supposed to be until half way through the session. Then in the match simulation they popped him in the goal square, ball didn't go near him the entire 15 minute game. He was running around making aeroplane sounds with his hands stretched out. It's been a battle to get him to go ever since. Footy is now 'boring'.

Thanks Auskick.

 

 

Sorry, this post ended up a long way away from where it started.

Withdraw all efforts on your son and focus on your daughter immediately! 6 years old is passed it, time to focus on the future! (Joking, of course.) The fear of Gawn is hilarious, you need to convince him that Max is the friendly kind of giant.

4 hours ago, Demonland said:

I believe I have stated elsewhere in the thread that I understand that many people live interstate or work etc. Those aren't the ones I'm having a go at. You alluded to the fact that I am saying that people who have a country membership and can't go to every game are letting the team down when I'm clearly not saying that.

I honestly thought 27000 was a poor crowd for a team on the cusp of a finals berth and as a result we have no right to complain if we are dealt harsh fixturing blows.

If we can't attract decent crowds then we are always going to be the last cab off the rank. Not blaming anyone that's just the way it will be.

Richmond got 33k to a game where they were fighting for top 4. Will the AFL punish them with fixturing? Collingwood got 22k to a home game will that be used against them? 

"The number

27,068 was the biggest crowd for a Melbourne and Port Adelaide game at the MCG. It was the 10^th match between the two sides at the home of football, with this clash eclipsing the previous best of 24,533 in round five, 1999."

 

Source - MFC

Well I was there! And .... I might add , apart from a delightful  conversation with Daisy, in very poor company indeed.

I saw the attendance and admittedly was a little disappointed.

As my name would suggest, I was at sea with the Navy (30th day straight and still no port visit!) and wasn't able to make it.
I live in Sydney but fly down and across whenever I can (Syd to Melb flights are disgustingly expensive if you can't fly out at 9:55 on a Tuesday night on a full moon only when the sun sets in the north east etc.)

 

8 hours ago, Wunders said:

Especially when you consider that we had 5k more than the pies 22,927  Pies vs WC

Agreed,  good point! I actually thought 27k against Port wasn't a bad result,  but it looked like barely 20k to be honest! 

I was at the G Saturday and it may have looked good on the box but it was one of the worst days for footy I can remember in years. It was blowing a gale and freezing cold. 

Even J Lewis said he got cold in the last quarter and he was out there running around.

It was a very disappointing turnout. Yes it was freezing, but no rain, and we are on the verge of finals playing one of our last home games of the year, with lots of stars returning to the side.

I only got back in the country on Friday and could not wait to drag my jetlagged arse to the G. If you didn't come, you missed out!

The dog ate my membership ... just kidding. I was there and also developed hypothermia at Casey Fields later on so I did my part.

5 hours ago, Ethan Tremblay said:

I was there in spirit. 

Ethan, I know this is a little off topic, but did that waterspout in Perth have anything to do with ..... err ..... shall I say ........... your personal peccadillos?

8 minutes ago, Emerald said:

The dog ate my membership ... just kidding. I was there and also developed hypothermia at Casey Fields later on so I did my part.

You did the brass monkeys proud