Five years on ...

[Doss]

It certainly reckon it has. The AFL has too frequently compromised the things which make the sport great to appeal to casual fans. They should instead be trying to educate new supporters on exactly why it's such a great game

That's my feeling, too.

I think the PR machine (and the Auskick programs etc) do attempt to 'educate', and they probably do a reasonable job of it. But it's more other areas where you get the strong impression the AFL is just all about improving its own bottom line, regardless of whether it is at the betterment of the wider fan experience. This (now not-so) subtle push from the AFL to get a night GF is just the latest example.

 

[Doss]

Not many. But it was an Essendon supporter who raised this to diminish our 1975 flag, not HTB.

Yeah, fair enough. The 1975 flag was notable for it, but I don't believe it diminishes the achievement. The rules were there, North took advantage of them.

Other clubs (looking at you, Carlton) have a much more sustained history of it.

 

[Slattery_20]

ITT one post regarding North's recruiting in the 90s uncovers deep-seated psychological issues.

 

[Slattery_20]

Not many. But it was an Essendon supporter who raised this to diminish our 1975 flag, not HTB.

Who? When? Someone claimed you had success in the draft era, which simply isn't true ( either zone or U19s or bought from Sydney).

 

[Gasometer]

I just wonder whether a tipping point has been reached, where prices are seen to have been jacked up beyond the pale, where people perceive the AFL has become more a commercial product than a game**, and as a consequence, people begin to stay away.

It may well be too early to tell at this point, but I think some of the signs are pointing towards this. The lesson could well be that the AFL can't, in fact, treat the game as their own personal play thing and ignore the rank and file- the supporters- because eventually, they will vote with their feet. I know many people who feel similarly disillusioned at the increasing 'remoteness' of the game.


**I'm fully aware this has been the reality for a long time. But perhaps the extent of it has got worse in recent times.

No brainer for me...live TV against the gate.

I live 5 hours round trip away from Melb. I attended when I could and got to see some great wins in the flesh....but for instance I couldnt make the Tigers or Dons games late in the season because of the late start times on Sundays.

I could have gone with all the effort. But I sat on my couch and watched it live.

Program crap times for live attendance and fans will vote with the remote.