Dont understand why people choose MCC over AFL Membership. All my friends who have MCC end up sleeping outside 12-24 hours before gates open on a big grand final. It suppose to be some special upper class club when people are sleeping in swags outfront to get in? I just do not see how you enjoy yourself doing that to watch a game of footy.
Something about the MCC being a cricket club possibly?
Seriously though, I got mine when i was 17 after my old man put me on the list at birth. Its just something that I'll never give up. As for lining up at 4am etc, I did it once in 2003. But you only have to do that if you want a decent seat or you miss out in the ballot for a reserved seat ($5). I can only recall the gates being locked once, and that was the 07 Prelim. You can generally walk in the door on GF at midday if you want and go and stand somewhere.
As for being an upper class club, there are some section of the place where I just don't go. Just not my scene. Most of the MCC reserve is filled with average joes to be honest. The only difference is that you cant take grog out to your seat.
It might be different if I was looking at starting from scratch. AFL membership might be a way to go. Doesn't help in cricket season though does it?