Jump to content

Attendance excuses/reasons?  

162 members have voted

You do not have permission to vote in this poll, or see the poll results. Please sign in or register to vote in this poll.


Recommended Posts

Posted (edited)

The Age has surveyed 'club bosses' and 16 have respodsed.  Each day the write up one or two topics.  Today it is low attendances.  https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/friday-night-plight-games-start-too-late-say-club-bosses-20220618-p5aurg.html

 
 
   

Crowds are, on average, at their lowest since 1996 with the exception of the past two pandemic-affected seasons.

 
What can the AFL and clubs do to bring fans back to the footy?
Schedule games earlier on Friday nights (proposed by 7 club bosses)
Streamline the ticketing process 5
Bring down the price of food and beverages 4
Take more consideration of local sport timeslots 3
Consider making the games shorter 1
Boost the match-day experience 1
 
   
   
  • Friday night start time
  • the lingering effects of COVID-19 to be a significant reason
  • digital] ticketing
  • behavioural stuff with crowds that turn people away.
  • a back-to-basics approach to entice people back to games:   curtain-raisers, public transport concessions, kick-to-kick on the ground after games, lower food and drink prices, and increased advertising should all be considered to ensure the trend of lower crowds does not set in.
  • not enough weight given to local circumstances, such as when community sport is most often played, to ensure there are not clashes that make it hard to attract spectators.
  • making the games shorter if the crowds did not bounce back in the next 12 months.
  • “We must make sure the environment and the timeslots ensure families feel safe and comfortable attending the football,”

Nothing new to followers of this thread.

 

Note:  Apologies for bold font, it came with the 'cut n paste' from the article.

 

 

   
Edited by Lucifers Hero
Posted

Re the worst crowds since 1996 ...

A lot of the games were played at the same time back in 1996 (average 3 or 4 games at 2pm Saturday's and 2 or 3 games at 2pm on Sunday's) So attending more than one game back then was difficult (as opposed to these days - MCC members & AFL members can attend multiple games)

We might have to go a lot further back than 1996 to find the real answer as to the worst season for crowd numbers

My guess is that these days the neutrals have dropped off in terms of attending the games.  And in my view it's the over 45's who are dropping off in terms of attending (for various reasons as previously stated by many here)

The worry for the AFL is if there is a flow-on affect with TV numbers.  They'd have to be concerned from a business standpoint

  • Like 2

Posted
31 minutes ago, Lucifers Hero said:

The Age has surveyed 'club bosses' and 16 have respodsed.  Each day the write up one or two topics.  Today it is low attendances.  https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/friday-night-plight-games-start-too-late-say-club-bosses-20220618-p5aurg.html

 
 
   

Crowds are, on average, at their lowest since 1996 with the exception of the past two pandemic-affected seasons.

 
What can the AFL and clubs do to bring fans back to the footy?
Schedule games earlier on Friday nights (proposed by 7 club bosses)
Streamline the ticketing process 5
Bring down the price of food and beverages 4
Take more consideration of local sport timeslots 3
Consider making the games shorter 1
Boost the match-day experience 1
 
   
   
  • Friday night start time
  • the lingering effects of COVID-19 to be a significant reason
  • digital] ticketing
  • behavioural stuff with crowds that turn people away.
  • a back-to-basics approach to entice people back to games:   curtain-raisers, public transport concessions, kick-to-kick on the ground after games, lower food and drink prices, and increased advertising should all be considered to ensure the trend of lower crowds does not set in.
  • not enough weight given to local circumstances, such as when community sport is most often played, to ensure there are not clashes that make it hard to attract spectators.
  • making the games shorter if the crowds did not bounce back in the next 12 months.
  • “We must make sure the environment and the timeslots ensure families feel safe and comfortable attending the football,”

Nothing new to followers of this thread.

 

Note:  Apologies for bold font, it came with the 'cut n paste' from the article.

 

 

   

The problem I have with this story is that there are 21 responses. That seems to suggest that the CEOs were given the opportunity to provide more than one reason...yet between them only came up with 21 responses.  

Posted
1 minute ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

The problem I have with this story is that there are 21 responses. That seems to suggest that the CEOs were given the opportunity to provide more than one reason...yet between them only came up with 21 responses.  

I don't think the numbers are additive.  Not sure how the question was phrased or what optional answers were provided.

But it is probably the narrative that follows that is most relevant.

Posted
11 hours ago, Lucifers Hero said:

The Age has surveyed 'club bosses' and 16 have respodsed.  Each day the write up one or two topics.  Today it is low attendances.  https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/friday-night-plight-games-start-too-late-say-club-bosses-20220618-p5aurg.html

 
 
   

Crowds are, on average, at their lowest since 1996 with the exception of the past two pandemic-affected seasons.

 
What can the AFL and clubs do to bring fans back to the footy?
Schedule games earlier on Friday nights (proposed by 7 club bosses)
Streamline the ticketing process 5
Bring down the price of food and beverages 4
Take more consideration of local sport timeslots 3
Consider making the games shorter 1
Boost the match-day experience 1
 
   
   
  • Friday night start time
  • the lingering effects of COVID-19 to be a significant reason
  • digital] ticketing
  • behavioural stuff with crowds that turn people away.
  • a back-to-basics approach to entice people back to games:   curtain-raisers, public transport concessions, kick-to-kick on the ground after games, lower food and drink prices, and increased advertising should all be considered to ensure the trend of lower crowds does not set in.
  • not enough weight given to local circumstances, such as when community sport is most often played, to ensure there are not clashes that make it hard to attract spectators.
  • making the games shorter if the crowds did not bounce back in the next 12 months.
  • “We must make sure the environment and the timeslots ensure families feel safe and comfortable attending the football,”

Nothing new to followers of this thread.

 

Note:  Apologies for bold font, it came with the 'cut n paste' from the article.

 

 

   

"Boost the match day" experience I wonder what was meant by that - if it's more US style ra-ra they really do not have their finger on the pulse. If it means getting rid of that in favour of a better experience for the supporters they might be on to something. I fear it's the former.

  • Like 4
  • Love 2

Posted
12 hours ago, Lucifers Hero said:

The Age has surveyed 'club bosses' and 16 have respodsed.  Each day the write up one or two topics.  Today it is low attendances.  https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/friday-night-plight-games-start-too-late-say-club-bosses-20220618-p5aurg.html

 
 
   

Crowds are, on average, at their lowest since 1996 with the exception of the past two pandemic-affected seasons.

 
What can the AFL and clubs do to bring fans back to the footy?
Schedule games earlier on Friday nights (proposed by 7 club bosses)
Streamline the ticketing process 5
Bring down the price of food and beverages 4
Take more consideration of local sport timeslots 3
Consider making the games shorter 1
Boost the match-day experience 1
 
   
   
  • Friday night start time
  • the lingering effects of COVID-19 to be a significant reason
  • digital] ticketing
  • behavioural stuff with crowds that turn people away.
  • a back-to-basics approach to entice people back to games:   curtain-raisers, public transport concessions, kick-to-kick on the ground after games, lower food and drink prices, and increased advertising should all be considered to ensure the trend of lower crowds does not set in.
  • not enough weight given to local circumstances, such as when community sport is most often played, to ensure there are not clashes that make it hard to attract spectators.
  • making the games shorter if the crowds did not bounce back in the next 12 months.
  • “We must make sure the environment and the timeslots ensure families feel safe and comfortable attending the football,”

Nothing new to followers of this thread.

 

Note:  Apologies for bold font, it came with the 'cut n paste' from the article.

 

 

   

While most likely a marginal issue...i would add...

Cashless transactions at most (all?) grounds post Covid (season 2021 onwards?)

Many tradies and sole traders do a fair % of cash sales and i would guess a decent number might prefer to use that cash for day to day spending such as game day vendor purchases of food & bev.  Keeping banked trade sales/earning $$ in their accounts for mortgage/bill payment, online transactions, SUV/Ute upgrades/superchargers/blow offs etc!

Plenty of tradies are avid footy followers.

Join the dots...

Posted
27 minutes ago, Demonland said:

 

Greatest Waste of Space

And Riewoldt's answer is....

“Investment in the game. They’ve got no alternative,” Riewoldt replied.

“Just keep the throttle down and keep trying to drive the game up.

So after 11 years (?) and probably somewhere around $150 - $200 million,  plus 15 or more 1st round draft picks and two coaches, we arrive at... a complete failed basket case of a club that no one wants to go and watch.

This Fox chat doesn't cover the TV ratings which i would assume would be off the scale also and not in a good way.

Send the team to Tassie from 2025/2026 as the Tassie Giants.

No need to fret over a 19th team and the AFL's talent pool isn't further stretched beyond its already weakened state.

Winner winner winner chicken dinner

  • Like 1
Posted
55 minutes ago, Demon Dynasty said:

 

Send the team to Tassie from 2025/2026 as the Tassie Giants.

No need to fret over a 19th team and the AFL's talent pool isn't further stretched beyond its already weakened state.

Winner winner winner chicken dinner

What’s Tassie ever done to you!!!

Posted
9 hours ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

"Boost the match day" experience I wonder what was meant by that - if it's more US style ra-ra they really do not have their finger on the pulse. If it means getting rid of that in favour of a better experience for the supporters they might be on to something. I fear it's the former.

I think it would be related to the 'back to basics' comment in the article:

21 hours ago, Lucifers Hero said:

a back-to-basics approach to entice people back to games:   curtain-raisers, public transport concessions, kick-to-kick on the ground after games, lower food and drink prices, and increased advertising should all be considered to ensure the trend of lower crowds does not set in.

Something, I'm sure we would all applaud.

  • Like 1
Posted
8 hours ago, Demon Dynasty said:

Greatest Waste of Space

And Riewoldt's answer is....

“Investment in the game. They’ve got no alternative,” Riewoldt replied.

“Just keep the throttle down and keep trying to drive the game up.

So after 11 years (?) and probably somewhere around $150 - $200 million,  plus 15 or more 1st round draft picks and two coaches, we arrive at... a complete failed basket case of a club that no one wants to go and watch.

This Fox chat doesn't cover the TV ratings which i would assume would be off the scale also and not in a good way.

Send the team to Tassie from 2025/2026 as the Tassie Giants.

No need to fret over a 19th team and the AFL's talent pool isn't further stretched beyond its already weakened state.

Winner winner winner chicken dinner

It is not a basket case of a club. This was going to take decades. As I am constantly reminded; low crowds have a myriad of excuses that we are comfortable with trotting out.

And as for the talent pool - what a ‘training load’ - our ‘talent pool’ from the first half of 2020 is not much different to now but confidence, health, and proper coaching does wonders. There are blokes like Martin, Durdin, et al that are jumping in and playing roles well. 

Posted
10 hours ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

"Boost the match day" experience I wonder what was meant by that - if it's more US style ra-ra they really do not have their finger on the pulse. If it means getting rid of that in favour of a better experience for the supporters they might be on to something. I fear it's the former.

Do we really need to keep 'boosting' the matchday experience like a turbo jetpack? Why don't we un-boost the experience and let the sport do the talking? We don't need more music and lightshows and get up at half time and move your bootie nonsense.

 

  • Like 5
  • Love 1

Posted
21 minutes ago, rpfc said:

It is not a basket case of a club. This was going to take decades. As I am constantly reminded; low crowds have a myriad of excuses that we are comfortable with trotting out.

And as for the talent pool - what a ‘training load’ - our ‘talent pool’ from the first half of 2020 is not much different to now but confidence, health, and proper coaching does wonders. There are blokes like Martin, Durdin, et al that are jumping in and playing roles well. 

I suspect you will be deflecting with the same reasons to keep them going in 2032 RP.

By then then the Greatest Waste of Space would've cost the AFL another $250 - $500 million and still underperforming on and off the field and media still questioning the record low  crowds/memberships etc

That's if i'm alive to see it!

south park beat a dead horse GIF

  • Like 1
Posted (edited)
10 hours ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

"Boost the match day" experience I wonder what was meant by that - if it's more US style ra-ra they really do not have their finger on the pulse. If it means getting rid of that in favour of a better experience for the supporters they might be on to something. I fear it's the former.

I hope not the former Dr. That would be the death knell for those over 50. One of the great things about watching the game below AFL Senior level is none of these things exist. It's just about the game. PS I actually enjoy going to a game watching Casey more than the seniors these days. It's more like the game day experience I grew up with. 

Edited by old dee
  • Like 3
  • Thanks 1
  • Love 1
Posted

My basic school economics suggests to me that the link between food and beverage prices and crowds is a two-way issue. It's not just that expensive food and drinks may be deterring people from attending. It may also be that smaller crowds are increasing the prices. If more people attend, the fixed costs component of the food and beverage suppliers reduces thereby enabling prices to be lower. If that is correct, the AFL need to do more to get crowds back which should help reduce the pressure on prices.

 

  • Like 3

Posted (edited)
26 minutes ago, layzie said:

Do we really need to keep 'boosting' the matchday experience like a turbo jetpack? Why don't we un-boost the experience and let the sport do the talking? We don't need more music and lightshows and get up at half time and move your bootie nonsense.

 

You have my vote Layzie.  The excitement should be mostly left to the game.

Music / shazaam stuff after every goal along with disco lights... ughh.

Ok a sprint or kicking comp at half time maybe but FCS turn their mics down.  Especially that woman at the G.  Voice sounds like two cats caterwauling in the early hours of a freezing winter morning.

Edited by Demon Dynasty
  • Like 5
  • Love 1
Posted
4 minutes ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

My basic school economics suggests to me that the link between food and beverage prices and crowds is a two-way issue. It's not just that expensive food and drinks may be deterring people from attending. It may also be that smaller crowds are increasing the prices. If more people attend, the fixed costs component of the food and beverage suppliers reduces thereby enabling prices to be lower. If that is correct, the AFL need to do more to get crowds back which should help reduce the pressure on prices.

 

Good point LDC but do you actually think they will come down. My basic economics learnt over lots of years is they don't. They might stabilise with a little luck.

Posted
4 minutes ago, Demon Dynasty said:

You have my vote Layzie.  The excitement should be mostly left to the game.

Music / shazaam stuff after every goal along with disco lights... ughh.

Ok a sprint or kicking comp at half time maybe but FCS turn their mics down.  Especially that woman at the G.  Voice sounds like two cats caterwauling in the early hours of a freezing winter morning.

Love your description DD. 

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1
Posted
19 minutes ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

My basic school economics suggests to me that the link between food and beverage prices and crowds is a two-way issue. It's not just that expensive food and drinks may be deterring people from attending. It may also be that smaller crowds are increasing the prices. If more people attend, the fixed costs component of the food and beverage suppliers reduces thereby enabling prices to be lower. If that is correct, the AFL need to do more to get crowds back which should help reduce the pressure on prices.

That's an interesting point however if crowds did increase I have no doubt the greedy [censored] would raise prices to cash in on the captive audience.

  • Like 6
Posted

While the headline about it being the highest scoring game for the year is more about it being a shame I can't see there being much of a change there regardless of the anticipated quality of a game.

 

Posted
7 minutes ago, Demonland said:

That's an interesting point however if crowds did increase I have no doubt the greedy [censored] would raise prices to cash in on the captive audience.

You're probably right. However, for what it's worth, while the prices of food and drinks might deter some people, I suspect that issue isn't in the top 5 reasons why people aren't attending. I'd have all of scheduling (eg, Thursday nights, times of games, floating fixture, etc), availability on TV (especially now people have become used to paying for content on other services, such as Netflix), transport issues (cost, time, availability), ticketing issues, and health concerns associated with Covid all ahead of it.     

  • Like 2
Posted

The AFL likes crowds partly because it boosts the atmosphere of the TV broadcast.  But they will get more and more adept at faking the crowd.  (I am often impressed with how much noise 10 GWS spporters can make.)   

If they really want to rely on TV and provide an engrossing TV experience, then they have to start offering viewing options so we are not at the mercy of directors who think we want to know how well the players shaved that day. Or offer options like be able to hear the umpire's mikes rather than the likes of BT.

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Demonland Forums  

  • Match Previews, Reports & Articles  

    TRAINING: Friday 22nd November 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers were out in force on a scorching morning out at Gosch's Paddock for the final session before the whole squad reunites for the Preseason Training Camp. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS It’s going to be a scorcher today but I’m in the shade at Gosch’s Paddock ready to bring you some observations from the final session before the Preseason Training Camp next week.  Salem, Fritsch & Campbell are already on the track. Still no number on Campbell’s

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports 3

    UP IN LIGHTS by Whispering Jack

    Those who watched the 2024 Marsh AFL National Championships closely this year would not be particularly surprised that Melbourne selected Victoria Country pair Harvey Langford and Xavier Lindsay on the first night of the AFL National Draft. The two left-footed midfielders are as different as chalk and cheese but they had similar impacts in their Coates Talent League teams and in the National Championships in 2024. Their interstate side was edged out at the very end of the tournament for tea

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Special Features

    TRAINING: Wednesday 20th November 2024

    It’s a beautiful cool morning down at Gosch’s Paddock and I’ve arrived early to bring you my observations from today’s session. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Reigning Keith Bluey Truscott champion Jack Viney is the first one out on the track.  Jack’s wearing the red version of the new training guernsey which is the only version available for sale at the Demon Shop. TRAINING: Viney, Clarry, Lever, TMac, Rivers, Petty, McVee, Bowey, JVR, Hore, Tom Campbell (in tr

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    TRAINING: Monday 18th November 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers ventured down to Gosch's Paddock for the final week of training for the 1st to 4th Years until they are joined by the rest of the senior squad for Preseason Training Camp in Mansfield next week. WAYNE RUSSELL'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS No Ollie, Chin, Riv today, but Rick & Spargs turned up and McDonald was there in casual attire. Seston, and Howes did a lot of boundary running, and Tom Campbell continued his work with individual trainer in non-MFC

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    2024 Player Reviews: #11 Max Gawn

    Champion ruckman and brilliant leader, Max Gawn earned his seventh All-Australian team blazer and constantly held the team up on his shoulders in what was truly a difficult season for the Demons. Date of Birth: 30 December 1991 Height: 209cm Games MFC 2024: 21 Career Total: 224 Goals MFC 2024: 11 Career Total: 109 Brownlow Medal Votes: 13 Melbourne Football Club: 2nd Best & Fairest: 405 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 12

    2024 Player Reviews: #36 Kysaiah Pickett

    The Demons’ aggressive small forward who kicks goals and defends the Demons’ ball in the forward arc. When he’s on song, he’s unstoppable but he did blot his copybook with a three week suspension in the final round. Date of Birth: 2 June 2001 Height: 171cm Games MFC 2024: 21 Career Total: 106 Goals MFC 2024: 36 Career Total: 161 Brownlow Medal Votes: 3 Melbourne Football Club: 4th Best & Fairest: 369 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 5

    TRAINING: Friday 15th November 2024

    Demonland Trackwatchers took advantage of the beautiful sunshine to head down to Gosch's Paddock and witness the return of Clayton Oliver to club for his first session in the lead up to the 2025 season. DEMONLAND'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Clarry in the house!! Training: JVR, McVee, Windsor, Tholstrup, Woey, Brown, Petty, Adams, Chandler, Turner, Bowey, Seston, Kentfield, Laurie, Sparrow, Viney, Rivers, Jefferson, Hore, Howes, Verrall, AMW, Clarry Tom Campbell is here

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports

    2024 Player Reviews: #7 Jack Viney

    The tough on baller won his second Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Trophy in a narrow battle with skipper Max Gawn and Alex Neal-Bullen and battled on manfully in the face of a number of injury niggles. Date of Birth: 13 April 1994 Height: 178cm Games MFC 2024: 23 Career Total: 219 Goals MFC 2024: 10 Career Total: 66 Brownlow Medal Votes: 8

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 3

    TRAINING: Wednesday 13th November 2024

    A couple of Demonland Trackwatchers braved the rain and headed down to Gosch's paddock to bring you their observations from the second day of Preseason training for the 1st to 4th Year players. DITCHA'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS I attended some of the training today. Richo spoke to me and said not to believe what is in the media, as we will good this year. Jefferson and Kentfield looked big and strong.  Petty was doing all the training. Adams looked like he was in rehab.  KE

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!

×
×
  • Create New...