Almanac Footy: AFL Fans Association – Second Annual Survey

 

 

The AFL Fans Association is an independent organisation made up of fans to present ‘the voice of the footy fans’. The following is a media release highlighting the results of their second annual survey of fans.

 

 

 

 

In the second annual AFL Fans Association survey ‘the voice of the footy fans’ has come through loud and clear on what is working and what needs changing for the fans’ experience to be more enjoyable.

 

Key concerns impacting the enjoyment of the game included:

 

• gambling ads
• umpiring/rule changes
• floating fixture
• affordability
• Grand Final ticket access

 

Interestingly, gambling ads have now surpassed umpiring/rule changes as the most common concern of AFL fans.

 

Conducted in late 2022 and early 2023, the survey drew 2,924 responses (significantly up from 860 responses in the 2021 survey) from members and supporters of all AFL clubs, ranging in age from under 18 to 85+. Non-Victorian participation in the survey made up 51% of the respondents which gives the survey a national focus in light of concerns from the 2021 survey that the AFL was too ‘Victorian-centric’.

 

AFL Fans Association President Ron Issko says “when considering all the issues that worry fans, umpiring/rule changes and gambling ads are the top two issues that need addressing.”

 

With gambling ads, Ron states, “fans are most concerned that the bombardment of gambling ads for their kids watching football is grooming them as future gamblers and normalising gambling.”

 

The floating fixture (from round 16 onwards) is not at all popular with members and supporters and is the third most common concern for people, Ron maintains, “fans were told that this was a temporary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it now exists due to broadcasting considerations.” Ron says that ‘fans want to plan well in advance to attend games and a floating fixture makes this difficult and more expensive.”

 

With regard to the Grand Final, “73% of fans want the grand final time to remain at the traditional 2.30pm AEST time” Ron declares. “From all polls and surveys conducted by the AFL Fans Association, this figure remains consistent.” Also 92% of fans want a redistribution of grand final ticket allocation so more competing club members can see their team participate on grand final day.

 

This year, fans were asked to rate their satisfaction with their club and the AFL. The fan response to the feedback questions provides very valuable and specific insight as to how members and supporters feel, club by club and towards the AFL. Ron reveals “the good news is that the overall fan satisfaction rating for clubs was 4.1 out of 5 and for the AFL it was 3.3 out of 5, however there are a lot more specific details to come”.

 

The 2022 survey, which the AFLFA has sent to the AFL, clubs and the media also found:

 

• Respondents to the survey were made up of 80% club members and 24% are members of the AFL Fans Association
• Almost all fans (91%) favour the establishment of a Tasmanian team
• Members and supporters (93%) believe the media should continue to engage the AFLFA as the voice of fans on issues impacting them
• 92% of fans state the AFL should include the AFL Fans Association in the consultation process, before they introduce changes that impact them
• Of the people that completed the survey, (62%) suggest the AFLW should have an annual pride round and 59% believe the AFL men’s competition should also have an annual pride round
• 66% of respondents believe the AFL should be more proactive in promoting inclusion and combating racism in the AFL

 

 

A new era in the AFL Fans Association and AFL relationship

 

Members and supporters have consistently told us that they want their voice heard and want action from the feedback they provide us.

 

Ron says “I am pleased to say that this year is the dawning of a new era in the relationship between fans and the AFL.” In early February the AFL Fans Association met with the AFL and have agreed to work together on fan issues with the aim of resolving them. “I look forward to collaborating with the AFL to discuss the issues raised in the survey, with the vision of working towards making positive changes, so that the fan experience is the best it can possibly be,” Ron says.

 

The attached report is ‘Part A’ of the survey which outlines the key results and trends from the survey, while ‘Part B’ (which will be released soon), will summarise the qualitative fan responses and club specific results.

 

AFL Fans Association membership is free and fans are encouraged to join at www.aflfans.org.au

 

More information: AFLFA President Ron Issko  Email: [email protected]

 

 

 

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Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.

 

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