AFL Fans Association (AFLFA) Press Release: Fans should be consulted on the 2017 fixture

Fans should be consulted on 2017 fixture
The AFL has announced it is preparing the 2017 draw and has asked clubs to submit fixture requests. AFL.com.au has reported that the consultation process will involve clubs, broadcast partners, players and venues.
While “fan engagement” will be considered as part of the process, AFL Fans Association president Gerry Eeman says he would be disappointed if those who attend games and watch them on TV aren’t properly consulted.
“We are the people who actually attend games and provide the AFL with the numbers it needs to secure $2.5 billion in TV rights,” Gerry says. “Why wouldn’t you involve fans in these discussions? Fans are not unreasonable and we would love the AFL to directly consult fans about what works for them.”
Gerry says fans have a range of views, with trends emerging. The majority of fans who attend games:

 

  • Dislike Monday night and Thursday night football, particularly the elderly and those with young families when those games are outside of school holidays.

 

  • Dislike having numerous time slots which feel solely designed for TV.

 

  • Prefer Saturday afternoon, but fans are flexible to a point.

 

  • Are unsure about Sunday night twilight games and are yet to be won over.

 

  • Would like the Round 23 games confirmed earlier as many travel interstate and need to book holidays, flights and accommodation.

 

  • Are unsure about the Round 23 bye, but some fans are concerned that the season will lose momentum.

 

Fans who have become accustomed to following the AFL via television have far fewer concerns with Monday and Thursday night football and the starting times of games.

 

Gerry says that while fans acknowledge the importance of TV rights to the game, this must be balanced with encouraging fans to turn up.
“Getting people to games is fundamental to the health of the game. The fans who turn up week-in week-out are the lifeblood of footy clubs so their desires must be taken into account when fixturing is considered.  These are the fans that keep their clubs afloat in tough times. There is nothing worse than watching a Sunday twilight game on TV with very few fans at the ground. The spectacle is diminished when unpopular start times keep people away. Last Sunday’s Brisbane-GWS game drew just 10,195 – Brisbane’s lowest ever Gabba crowd.  Brisbane are not playing well, but the start time didn’t help.”

 

AFLFA membership is free and fans are encouraged to join at www.aflfans.org.au.
For more information contact: AFLFA president Gerry Eeman on 0403 938 484.

Email: [email protected] or [email protected].

Comments

  1. Cat from the Country says

    It used th be a Draw. Now it is a Fixture.
    Fixed is right!

  2. Spot on Cheryl. Never mind attending matches, even watching them is cutting into precious time. Life is for living, not to be slumped on the couch watching substandard matches of Football just go get the numbers up for a network/League bidding war.

  3. Cheryl Critchley says

    Thanks guys. It is ridiculous that they consult with every other stakeholder except thd fans. Says it all really. We don’t bite so would welcome a change of heart, but I’m not holding my breath.

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