Jump to content

Crowd numbers - my perspective



Recommended Posts

On 18/03/2024 at 11:40, Rab D Nesbitt said:

First and foremost. It is OUR HOME GROUND. That's why we play there. 

I also thought the attendance was poor. Let's say there were 10,000 Doggies supporters there. That means around 40% of our supposed 75,000 membership turned up to watch our opening home game. Both sides have also won flags in the last eight years and are mooted as top four contenders. Could you imagine only 40% of season ticket holders turning up at Anfield / Old Trafford / Ibrox / Celtic Park for any game? 

Your argument is a complete false equivalence

Firstly the EPL doesn't have members. They have fans who buy access to seats. Like in the Redlegs lets say. And they are usually full.

Many people who buy memberships to AFL clubs do so to support the club. I have two memberships and never use one as I am an MCC member. I rarely go to Marvel, don't go to Geelong and probably go interstate to watch the Dees a couple of times every two years

Should I stop contributing to the club? Does that make me a 'bad' member?

Then you have the issue of fixturing where the games are held on different days and times every week. Often it doesn't suit someone like me that has many things including family and other sporting commitments going on in my life. Does that make me a 'bad' member?

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 19/03/2024 at 09:34, Mazer Rackham said:

On the plus side: Cornes is not afraid to "speak truth to power" (although I suspect there are limits to this, eg when it comes to Port, or AFL head office).

What does this inane expression even mean?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

What were Cornes, McClure and Wilson honestly expecting for a Dees/Dogs game? 60,000?

Give me strength.

There was 58K for the opening round game in in 2022. But that was the very first game of the season between the then two Grand Finalists from 2021.

44K for 1pm on a Sunday on a hot day seems like a decent turnout to me.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

1 hour ago, No. 31 said:

There was 58K for the opening round game in in 2022. But that was the very first game of the season between the then two Grand Finalists from 2021.

 

Can't believe we got that many for a Wednesday night game, even factoring in the GF rematch.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

 

Can't believe we got that many for a Wednesday night game, even factoring in the GF rematch.

Covid also a factor back then. The game was first crowd at mcg since July 2021. And the matches with crowds before then were well down on average crowd sizes. Was a lot of people’s first game for 2 seasons - plus we unveiled the flag!!

https://afltables.com/afl/venues/mcg_gm.html

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, jnrmac said:

Your argument is a complete false equivalence

Firstly the EPL doesn't have members. They have fans who buy access to seats. Like in the Redlegs lets say. And they are usually full.

Many people who buy memberships to AFL clubs do so to support the club. I have two memberships and never use one as I am an MCC member. I rarely go to Marvel, don't go to Geelong and probably go interstate to watch the Dees a couple of times every two years

Should I stop contributing to the club? Does that make me a 'bad' member?

Then you have the issue of fixturing where the games are held on different days and times every week. Often it doesn't suit someone like me that has many things including family and other sporting commitments going on in my life. Does that make me a 'bad' member?

 

Hi Jnr. With respect you're the one implying that it makes you a 'bad' member. I didn't say it. You can go to whatever game you want when you want and have any reason you like for not going, or no reason at all. I respect your right to do anything you deem to be more interesting than watch the Dees at Marvel or KP. 

I didn't suggest that you shouldn't contribute financially to the club. Again, you're projecting your own words on to me which is a bit naughty. 

In the UK you buy a season ticket. If you follow a team that plays in an all-seater stadium then it's highly likely that it will come with a reserved seat. If you don't then you'll be standing on a terrace. Approximately 80% of an all-seater ground will be allocated for season ticket holders and almost all will have a substantial waiting list to get one. I doubt there's been any league game in the EPL or the Old Firm that hasn't been played in a full capacity stadium this season although Bramall Lane is usually half empty again by half time. They also play games on most nights of the week due to TV deals. 

You're right about a false equivalence and it's probably a cultural thing. I'm used to seeing the team I follow take 10,000 supporters to an away game in eastern Europe on a cold Wednesday night and out-sing the home fans and we'll take 500 to Perth to play the WC on a weekend. It's different here. I don't know why. There are just as many if not more things to do on a weekend in London and they also have 13 fully professional teams competing for your money. You can also fly to most cities on the continent in an hour or two or NYC in six hours for a long weekend. All I'm saying is that I find it odd that on any given weekend more than half of any clubs members prefer to be doing something else on the day their team plays. 

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites


On 19/03/2024 at 14:43, DeeTeez said:

as a carlton supporter, maclure has a vested interest. he is trying to get blues out of playing at docklands so they can play more games at the g. docklands deal means someone has to play there so need another team to swap with. so media pressure on demons poor attendance is his agenda with the aim of carlton playing more mcg games at the expense of melbourne.  

^ This

Maclure is framing if that's what it's called - when the journo builds a (in this case completely biased) picture to create a story, agenda or shape an outcome. Keep slinging mud at Melbourne home crowds and ignore the facts such as the Bulldog fans chain doesn't stretch that far from the kennel and the number of games we play there v interstate sides. He'll then point to average attendances and also ignore the impact of playing in Alice, Tassie or under-construction Geelong. He'll then go on to say Melbourne doesn't deserve to play at the G when other teams are pulling bigger crowds. Carlton, for example, deserves to be playing more games there instead...yada yada yada vomit

Link to comment
Share on other sites

16 minutes ago, Roger Mellie said:

^ This

Maclure is framing if that's what it's called - when the journo builds a (in this case completely biased) picture to create a story, agenda or shape an outcome. Keep slinging mud at Melbourne home crowds and ignore the facts such as the Bulldog fans chain doesn't stretch that far from the kennel and the number of games we play there v interstate sides. He'll then point to average attendances and also ignore the impact of playing in Alice, Tassie or under-construction Geelong. He'll then go on to say Melbourne doesn't deserve to play at the G when other teams are pulling bigger crowds. Carlton, for example, deserves to be playing more games there instead...yada yada yada vomit

We have to stop playing in the NT for that exact reason 

Clubs like Carlscum will push their agenda every year 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

If Sam McClure did even a cursory bit of research he'd find that in 2023 we had the 2nd highest rate of converting members into home attendances (Fremantle was 1st).

Our home crowds are excellent given our lower supporter/membership base overall.

However...

Whilst the vast majority of us cannot go to every single game even when we want to, I have always felt that there are too many Melbourne supporters/members who use their attendance as a form of protest too much; in other words, people who could go, don't go, because they're unhappy with something (on field or off) and want to send some sort of message.

That sort of attitude is evident in the thread about Kate Roffey's "be like Collingwood" comments. How many people said "I'll go when we play exciting football" or similar?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 18/03/2024 at 11:40, Rab D Nesbitt said:

First and foremost. It is OUR HOME GROUND. That's why we play there. 

I also thought the attendance was poor. Let's say there were 10,000 Doggies supporters there. That means around 40% of our supposed 75,000 membership turned up to watch our opening home game. Both sides have also won flags in the last eight years and are mooted as top four contenders. Could you imagine only 40% of season ticket holders turning up at Anfield / Old Trafford / Ibrox / Celtic Park for any game? 

I agree Rab. I was also disappointed with the turn out...1pm does feel a slightly unusual time, 1.45 or 2.10 might have been better but I find it hard to see that increasing the crowd by 10-15% 

Had a quck look at two comparable Dogs MCG games last year (vs Richmond & vs Hawthorn). Also at awkard times 4.35pm on a Saturday.

With our membership base and quality of team I'd hope w could achieve at least half way between those two crowds (48k)

 

2024-03-21_9-02-56.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 21/03/2024 at 09:10, Dee*ceiving said:

I agree Rab. I was also disappointed with the turn out...1pm does feel a slightly unusual time, 1.45 or 2.10 might have been better but I find it hard to see that increasing the crowd by 10-15% 

Had a quck look at two comparable Dogs MCG games last year (vs Richmond & vs Hawthorn). Also at awkard times 4.35pm on a Saturday.

With our membership base and quality of team I'd hope w could achieve at least half way between those two crowds (48k)

 

2024-03-21_9-02-56.jpg

Richmond pulling 56k out of 101k members last year is equivalent to us pulling 39k (56% of members), we got more than that. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

In 2023 we averaged 44k for home games, and we're only behind the big 4 in total attendance with 907k. That number doesn't include the 189k in our 2 finals.
Sam McClure only has to Google these 2023 numbers. But he won't.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

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  

    2024 Player Reviews: #15 Ed Langdon

    The Demon running machine came back with a vengeance after a leaner than usual year in 2023.  Date of Birth: 1 February 1996 Height: 182cm Games MFC 2024: 22 Career Total: 179 Goals MFC 2024: 9 Career Total: 76 Brownlow Medal Votes: 5 Melbourne Football Club: 5th Best & Fairest: 352 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 6

    2024 Player Reviews: #24 Trent Rivers

    The premiership defender had his best year yet as he was given the opportunity to move into the midfield and made a good fist of it. Date of Birth: 30 July 2001 Games MFC 2024: 23 Career Total: 100 Goals MFC 2024: 2 Career Total:  9 Brownlow Medal Votes: 7 Melbourne Football Club: 6th Best & Fairest: 350 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 2

    TRAINING: Monday 11th November 2024

    Veteran Demonland Trackwatchers Kev Martin, Slartibartfast & Demon Wheels were on hand at Gosch's Paddock to kick off the official first training session for the 1st to 4th year players with a few elder statesmen in attendance as well. KEV MARTIN'S PRESEASON TRAINING OBSERVATIONS Beautiful morning. Joy all round, they look like they want to be there.  21 in the squad. Looks like the leadership group is TMac, Viney Chandler and Petty. They look like they have sli

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Training Reports 2

    2024 Player Reviews: #1 Steven May

    The years are rolling by but May continued to be rock solid in a key defensive position despite some injury concerns. He showed great resilience in coming back from a nasty rib injury and is expected to continue in that role for another couple of seasons. Date of Birth: 10 January 1992 Height: 193cm Games MFC 2024: 19 Career Total: 235 Goals MFC 2024: 1 Career Total: 24 Melbourne Football Club: 9th Best & Fairest: 316 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons

    2024 Player Reviews: #4 Judd McVee

    It was another strong season from McVee who spent most of his time mainly at half back but he also looked at home on a few occasions when he was moved into the midfield. There could be more of that in 2025. Date of Birth: 7 August 2003 Height: 185cm Games MFC 2024: 23 Career Total: 48 Goals MFC 2024: 1 Career Total: 1 Brownlow Medal Votes: 1 Melbourne Football Club: 7th Best & Fairest: 347 votes

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 5

    2024 Player Reviews: #31 Bayley Fritsch

    Once again the club’s top goal scorer but he had a few uncharacteristic flat spots during the season and the club will be looking for much better from him in 2025. Date of Birth: 6 December 1996 Height: 188cm Games MFC 2024: 23 Career Total: 149 Goals MFC 2024: 41 Career Total: 252 Brownlow Medal Votes: 4

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 9

    2024 Player Reviews: #18 Jake Melksham

    After sustaining a torn ACL in the final match of the 2023 season Jake added a bit to the attack late in the 2024 season upon his return. He has re-signed on to the Demons for 1 more season in 2025. Date of Birth: 12 August 1991 Height: 186cm Games MFC 2024: 8 Career Total: 229 Goals MFC 2024: 8 Career Total: 188

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 7

    2024 Player Reviews: #3 Christian Salem

    The luckless Salem suffered a hamstring injury against the Lions early in the season and, after missing a number of games, he was never at his best. He was also inconvenienced by minor niggles later in the season. This was a blow for the club that sorely needed him to fill gaps in the midfield at times as well as to do his best work in defence. Date of Birth: 15 July 1995 Height: 184cm Games MFC 2024: 17 Career Total: 176 Goals MFC 2024: 1 Career Total: 26 Brownlow Meda

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 8

    2024 Player Reviews: #39 Koltyn Tholstrop

    The first round draft pick at #13 from twelve months ago the strongly built medium forward has had an impressive introduction to AFL football and is expected to spend more midfield moments as his career progresses. Date of Birth: 25 July 2005 Height: 186cm Games MFC 2024: 10 Career Total: 10 Goals MFC 2024: 5 Career Total: 5 Games CDFC 2024: 7 Goals CDFC 2024: 4

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 9
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!

×
×
  • Create New...