Keep telling yourself that Ron. It wasn't that long ago that they were giving away tickets to fill up Richmond games at the mcg. Richmond have a powerful base but even you would be the first to admit when things arent going too well , that the supporters will fall away. It's the same with every club.
When Carlton start performing , all this will be a distant memory and the supporters will come out and watch and barrack as hard as ever. Getting kicked whilst we are down we maKe us stronger than ever before. And when it happens, look out .
Yes, numbers drop away for all clubs when the team isn't performing. And when up and about, Carlton has more or less the same level of support as Richmond.
A simple contrast is in order, however. Carlton, in the midst of its bleakest-ever period, has seen four finals series in 17 years, including a club-record finals drought of seven years. Richmond supporters saw two finals series in 30 years, with droughts of 13 and 12 years. And you lot reckon you've seen pain. Hahahahaha!
Struggletown is in Richmond's DNA, yet at heart we're supreme optimists. How else could we put up with so much crap and keep coming back? Carlton remains the province of the wealthy, essentially detached from the supporters who are left hoping that the billionaires can get it right. The source of mirth should be obvious - a silver spoon club, forced to shovel shit!
While virtually bankrupt, Richmond managed to somehow increase its membership every year under Wallace. A minor dip the year Hardwick arrived, then a meteoric climb to the present day. Carlton is seen to be underperforming in this area, which is why our membership guy is now your CEO.
Good to see you've retained your optimism, though I do wonder if you could stand another 10-15 years of rubbish...
PS I can't recall the free ticket thing.