can I add one point about crowds in Adelaide in recent years (this applies to crows also due to the large number of no-shows) is that AFL appears to be a bit uncool in this city to the 20-30 year olds compared to Melbourne. Wasting all that time driving to AAMI, surrounded by many old farts (sorry) whining constantly about umpires, pretty dull stadium, watching Port play shit football, is not a selling point to the large market of 20-30 year olds that turn up with 3-4 mates, who maybe come down from the CBD after work, drink a few beers etc. This is a common sight in Melbourne, not here anymore. One solution to this is the Adelaide Oval
AFL is just not cool in Adelaide at the moment. If you see someone in town during the week dressed in footy colours, I wrongly automatically think that they're a low life loony, whereas in Melb this is not the case
Possibly a factor. I think it is definitely uncool to be seen wearing Port colours, and this is a major issue for the club and one that will probably never be overcome as it cannot be denied that a fairly large percentage of our supporter base comprises bogans.
I also think the way the club has been forced by the AFL (and the club itself must take some blame for this) to tinker with its branding, history and traditions as part of the entry conditions and on-going stay in the AFL has over time turned many fans away as the club has been bastardised into something it is not.
I want to touch on Aneale's comments as I don't think they are spot on. Whilst success is the most obvious lure to a sporting club, people have several reasons for jumping on board a particular club, including the colour, nickname, history, traditions, location and favourite player(s).
I wonder if Aneale would still suggest we use a Fremantle model for attracting fans if the following equation in the SA market can be used to determine fans:
Assuming success is split 50-50 between the SA clubs, that means 50% of new supporters will chose Port, and 50% Crows, according to the narrow view that success buys fans.
However, I have mentioned above that history and traditions are an important reason people chose a club to support. This is where the Collingwood model of pushing its brand - club colours and on-field history has helped them establish the biggest following in the league - this despite only winning one flag in 50+ years. It obviously works.
Given Port win the traditions and history selling-point in a head-to-head with the Crows, it is exactly why the club must use this differential to lure neutrals. The Crows can always claim to be the team for all South Australians, but they will never be able to claim a history dating back to 1870, or a trophy cabinet containing SANFL premierships.
The club can certainly try to understand how Fremantle have grown their fan base, however I believe what Port are doing (The Creed, 1870 etc) is the best possible way to differentiate from their main rival in an attempt to win fans over the long haul. Playing decent footy would obviously help too... as would have adopting this strategy from day one of our entry into the AFL... as would have Saint Kilda and North Melbourne premierships in 97 and 98...