Low Attendance

[hemingway 7,608]

Melbourne supporters are just as passionate as any other mob. In fact given our long period of defeat and negativity we have been more resilient and loyal than most. 

The measure of our passion is not measured simply by attendance at games. 

So much has changed on the footy landscape. Attendance at games has been hit hard by factors already mentioned. 

Despite some people’s laissez faire attitude the majority of folks particularly the seniors are still freaked by Covid. There are still so many people who will not attend activities involving large groups. As previously mentioned, late afternoon and night games are a huge deterrent to anyone living outside Melbournes urban fringes. Not helped by our poor and unreliable trains.  For many older folks there are severe safety concerns travelling home by train at night. And games during the week do not help families and folk who take work seriously. There is no doubt that saturation TV coverage has conditioned fans to watching the game at home rather than the inconvenience of attending night games. Lastly, there is the issue of cost. Many people simply do not have the money for travel and incidental expenses. Particularly country people. The majority of people are doing it tough or at least have needed to restrict their spending habits particularly discretionary spending. 

I get annoyed with the simplistic notion that low attendances is a reflection on the passion or commitment of fans.

Times have changed and for many (although not all) it has become much harder to get to a game.  

[Macca 16,192]

1 hour ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

Jesus Macca how dare you tarnish me with that brush! I thought I'd been posting here for long enough to know I'm not a troll who crawled out from the gutter like Who 🤣

Dr Who always shows the same tell-tale signs ... an off-tap entrance but ultimately, the motive is to denigrate Demon supporters

Latches on to those who might be saying the same sort of thing (but with more sinister intentions)

Needs to get a new schtick as he's easily spotted.  Not Dr.D either

As for the attendance debate, both sides of the argument are making good points

Not sure it's related to membership alone though.  I reckon many now buy a membership knowing that they are only going to attend a few games.  A type of donation (and a worthy one)

[Demonstone 20,573]

1 hour ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

Wurlitzer organ being played after every goal.

Wurlitzer one for the money, two for the show ...

[Macca 16,192]

Once upon a time attendances were everything and broadcast rights were token

Over time, the broadcast rights has become the biggie with attendances seemingly a lot less important (in comparison)

The other biggie these days (and a big money spinner) are memberships.  We now have through-the-roof membership numbers across the League but attendances are falling in relation to those membership numbers

The at-the-game day experience is still big but more so for the participating team's supporters ... the neutrals have dropped right off in my view

So let's not beat each other up over this as there are many varied reasons why the attendances are down.  Across the whole League

 

 

[ElDiablo14 4,018]

1 minute ago, Macca said:

Once upon a time attendances were everything and broadcast rights were token

Over time, the broadcast rights has become the biggie with attendances seemingly a lot less important (in comparison)

The other biggie these days (and a big money spinner) are memberships.  We now have through-the-roof membership numbers across the League but attendances are falling in relation to those membership numbers

The at-the-game day experience is still big but more so for the participating team's supporters ... the neutrals have dropped right off in my view

So let's not beat each other up over this as there are many varied reasons why the attendances are down.  Across the whole League

 

 

No hard feelings from my side, I just don't like to feel lonely at the game haha (last game only myself and my missus were sitting in our designated row).

 

[Macca 16,192]

11 minutes ago, ElDiablo14 said:

No hard feelings from my side, I just don't like to feel lonely at the game haha (last game only myself and my missus were sitting in our designated row).

 

You've certainly latched on to the lingo quick, gringo

You sound more like a dinky-di

How are those Red Devils travelling back in Mexico? 

[ElDiablo14 4,018]

7 minutes ago, Macca said:

You've certainly latched on to the lingo quick, gringo

You sound more like a dinky-di

How are those Red Devils travelling back in Mexico? 

Red Devils not going well I am afraid, bottom of the ladder ala 2009-2013 Dees.

It seems that the demon family around the world (ManU, AC Milan et al) is not doing so well except for the MFC.

[Macca 16,192]

20 minutes ago, ElDiablo14 said:

It seems that the demon family around the world (ManU, AC Milan et al) is not doing so well except for the MFC.

Depends on what one's definition of a Demon family is.  Me, I have different red & blue teams

Redsox, Barcelona ... even West Ham (kinda,sorta) Canadiens?  Not sure on the Clippers haha

And if you're feeling lonely at the footy perhaps you could get involved in the game, chat away to your missus or even logon to the barrel-of-laughs game-day thread on 'land

Or hit the grog, have a few bets or bop along to the mindless high decibel music that we are subjected to these days (at the games)

 

[ElDiablo14 4,018]

2 minutes ago, Macca said:

Depends on what one's definition of a Demon family is.  Me, I have different red & blue teams

Redsox, Barcelona ... even West Ham (kinda,sorta) Canadiens?  Not sure on the Clippers haha

And if you're feeling lonely at the footy perhaps you could get involved in the game, chat away to your missus or even logon to the barrel-of-laughs game-day thread on 'land

 

I think FC Barcelona is maroon and blue? I also go for them btw. I meant to say all the teams that are nicknamed devils or demons.

In terms of game day experience I do tend to get carried away, I am one of those vocal and loud supporters (I have found myself shouting BALL! as much as the next bloke).

[Demonstone 20,573]

Manchester United are NOT part of my Demon family.  Wash your mouth out!

[Macca 16,192]

46 minutes ago, ElDiablo14 said:

I think FC Barcelona is maroon and blue?

Blue and deep red (traditionally)

Surprised you don't know that with all that Spanish history attached to your home country

And if you are very vocal at the footy how is that you feel lonely? 

Try standing in the outer in the mid to late 70's following the Demons ... the only company I had was Henry Coles' old man.  Still, the beers were enjoyable at least!!

[ElDiablo14 4,018]

5 minutes ago, Macca said:

Blue and deep red (traditionally)

Surprised you don't know that with all that Spanish history attached to your home country

And if you are very vocal at the footy how is that you feel lonely? 

Try standing in the outer in the mid to late 70's following the Demons ... the only company I had was Henry Coles' old man.  Still, the beers were enjoyable at least!!

I may be colour blind 😂

Nah I was taking the [censored] about feeling lonely. I may just be spoiled because the game I felt in love with the club was the 2018 elimination final against Geelong, boy oh boy! what an atmosphere it was!

[roy11 3,267]

58 minutes ago, Demonstone said:

Manchester United are NOT part of my Demon family.  Wash your mouth out!

In 92/93 I decided I go for Manchester United (Red Devils) because of Melbourne Demons -  with the demon/devil link.

During that time United have won the league (13 times), the league cup (4 times), the fa cup (5 times), the Champions League (2 times), the Europa League, Intercontinental Cup and the Club World Cup - in comparison the Demons have won 1 Flag and 1 AFLX trophy. 

[Sir Why You Little 35,642]

1 hour ago, Demonstone said:

Manchester United are NOT part of my Demon family.  Wash your mouth out!

Agreed, i hate ManUre

[ElDiablo14 4,018]

7 minutes ago, roy11 said:

In 92/93 I decided I go for Manchester United (Red Devils) because of Melbourne Demons -  with the demon/devil link.

During that time United have won the league (13 times), the league cup (4 times), the fa cup (5 times), the Champions League (2 times), the Europa League, Intercontinental Cup and the Club World Cup - in comparison the Demons have won 1 Flag and 1 AFLX trophy. 

The Holy Grail AFLX 😎

[Kozzie4PM 765]

5 hours ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

That's not really true, at least according to the latest Roy Morgan poll.

https://www.roymorgan.com/findings/8799-afl-supporter-ladder-june-2021-202109210357

Anyhow, I'm not expecting us to get 60k to games against clubs like GWS/GC like the Pies and Tigers do when they're up and about (the Tigers drew 90k plus to the Prelim against GWS!). 35k-40k is not unreasonable for us I would have thought.

My apologies. I thought we had about 200k and Collingwood/Essendon/Carlton all had 800k-1mil. But that is clearly incorrect. Thank you for posting that link. 

However, Melbourne does get a higher attendance to fan ratio and higher member to fan ratio than almost any other club. Importantly, this was the case even when we were garbage. I think we have a small, loyal and passionate supporter base. The fact we aren't getting runaway attendances post a premiership actually shows how passionate and loyal our fans are. Many here are arguing the opposite.

[Sir Why You Little 35,642]

10 minutes ago, Kozzie4PM said:

My apologies. I thought we had about 200k and Collingwood/Essendon/Carlton all had 800k-1mil. But that is clearly incorrect. Thank you for posting that link. 

However, Melbourne does get a higher attendance to fan ratio and higher member to fan ratio than almost any other club. Importantly, this was the case even when we were garbage. I think we have a small, loyal and passionate supporter base. The fact we aren't getting runaway attendances post a premiership actually shows how passionate and loyal our fans are. Many here are arguing the opposite.

Rona still exists

AFL attendance is down across the board 

People are tight for money 

[Macca 16,192]

38 minutes ago, Kozzie4PM said:

The fact we aren't getting runaway attendances post a premiership actually shows how passionate and loyal our fans are. Many here are arguing the opposite.

In other words, we may not have that many fair-weather supporters who could jump on board anyway! Fair point and good on us if true

It could also be that many who frequented Demon games previously (who weren't members) are now members and are still frequenting games in the same way

But I do believe the other side of the argument has made good points

As is often the case, the answer probably lies somewhere in the middle

 

[praha 10,711]

10 hours ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

Good post, Praha, but I wonder what you mean by the fan experience being "worse"? I'm scared that someone from the AFL will read your post and decide that what's necessary is louder music, a kiss-cam at every break and a Wurlitzer organ being played after every goal.

haha well we can tick off two of those boxes...

But to my point, just a few things specific to AFL Members:

1. Food and beveridge options are pitiful. I literally leave the AFL Members to walk through to GA or the Ponsford stand to get food and drinks.

2. The entire place is in need of a mass upgrade. I pay almost $700 a year for a sports bar with broken TV screens and poor, fuzzy reception; broken seats; and a "fine dining" area about as "fine" board of wood with nails sticking out of it.

3. The speakers are so bad I seriously wonder if they've just ripped them out of a Nintendo GameBoy and stuck them on the wall.

4. Getting in and out has somehow gotten worse despite the logistics remaining the same. 

5. There's fewer security and more [censored].

6. There's fewer people than ever sitting in AFL Members, meaning the atmosphere is [censored]. I honestly think the AFL has given up on it all together.

[Dr. Gonzo 23,051]

46 minutes ago, praha said:

haha well we can tick off two of those boxes...

But to my point, just a few things specific to AFL Members:

1. Food and beveridge options are pitiful. I literally leave the AFL Members to walk through to GA or the Ponsford stand to get food and drinks.

2. The entire place is in need of a mass upgrade. I pay almost $700 a year for a sports bar with broken TV screens and poor, fuzzy reception; broken seats; and a "fine dining" area about as "fine" board of wood with nails sticking out of it.

3. The speakers are so bad I seriously wonder if they've just ripped them out of a Nintendo GameBoy and stuck them on the wall.

4. Getting in and out has somehow gotten worse despite the logistics remaining the same. 

5. There's fewer security and more [censored].

6. There's fewer people than ever sitting in AFL Members, meaning the atmosphere is [censored]. I honestly think the AFL has given up on it all together.

As a fellow AFL member I agree the facilities are ****house and feel as though they've just been left to rot. I'm gonna try the bar on level 2 as that seems much better although not sure if it's restricted to dining packages? I went and sat up on level 2 on Saturday and the view, seats and facilities were a class above what's available downstairs. I may have to start moving across to the other side in GA as although we get seats right on the wing the atmosphere is horrible and when playing most other Vic teams it feels like you're sitting amongst the opposition members area.

[DeeZee 7,110]

We are the premiers and we keep getting terrible time slots.

Twilight games  never rate , and now we play St Kilda , Mother’s Day lunch time ffs!

[Bring-Back-Powell 13,843]

Anything less than 30,000 will be unacceptable for this Sunday against St Kilda - a clash of two top 4 teams.

The average crowds for Melbourne V St Kilda games since 2000 are 35,000 and obviously some of those years involved one or both sides being complete rubbish.

I'll knock 5,000 off for the Mother's Day factor , but I still think it's an average excuse not to turn up to the footy on a decent 16 degree non windy day and your club is 7-0. Yes, we're playing during the lunch time slot, but last time I checked there are two other meals during the day to celebrate, and also the Saturday if needed.

Edited May 4, 2022 by Bring-Back-Powell

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,540]

3 minutes ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

Anything less than 30,000 will be unacceptable for this Sunday against St Kilda - a clash of two top 4 teams.

The average crowds for Melbourne V St Kilda games since 2000 are 35,000 and obviously some of those years involved one or both sides being complete rubbish.

I'll knock 5,000 off for the Mother's Day factor , but I still think it's an average excuse not to turn up to the footy on a decent 16 degree non windy day and your club is 7-0. Yes, we're playing during the lunch time slot, but last time I checked there are two other meals during the day to celebrate, and also the Saturday if needed.

I'm predicting 25,000 for a game that would attract 50,000 on virtually any other day and timeslot. 

[Dr. Gonzo 23,051]

22 hours ago, DeeZee said:

We are the premiers and we keep getting terrible time slots.

Twilight games  never rate , and now we play St Kilda , Mother’s Day lunch time ffs!

The timeslots have not been terrible. Ok the opening game on a Wednesday was a step too far but it was a one off and was a chance for supporters to see the flag unfurled. We've then had Friday night, Saturday night and Saturday twilight. Much better than 320 or 440 on a Sunday.

Supporters need to get used to it because we will have similar slots going forward if we continue to be successful. Twilight games against North and Freo, night games against Swans and Lions, probably more night games later in the year against Dogs, Pies and Blues.

Edited May 4, 2022 by Dr. Gonzo

[Jaded No More 61,921]

On 5/2/2022 at 5:33 PM, WalkingCivilWar said:

🙋‍♀️
I’ll be there. It’s just another Sunday. We don’t do Mother’s Day at mine. I’m blessed - my boys treat me awesomely every day of the year, not just when ‘Hallmark’ dictates.  

We are going to the footy then taking mum out for dinner. 

Most mums would rather you go to the footy then find a babysitter and take her out for dinner. You’d be surprised how sick mothers are of their children 😂