A new AFL Fans’ Association survey has found that one in five supporters are being turned off the game by an excess of the sort of glitz and sensationalism Aussies usually associate with US sport.
Many Aussie Rules diehards say loud music, constant announcements, and an ‘Americanised’ style of entertainment are diluting the traditional atmosphere.
Rising ticket, food, and membership costs have also been highlighted as major frustrations.
The AFL Fans’ Association survey, which has already received more than 4000 responses, asked supporters about everything from umpiring standards to grand final ticket access.
Early results show 66 per cent think the match-day experience is unchanged, 12 per cent believe it has improved and 22 per cent say it has declined.
Critics argue that blaring music, bright lights after goals, and forced fan engagement are eroding the authentic footy feel that supporters value.
Supporters believe constant announcements and noise are turning games into ‘basketball-style’ events (pictured, fans watch the Adelaide vs Collingwood match on Saturday)
A new AFL Fans’ Association survey found 22 per cent of supporters think the experience at games has declined this year (pictured, Hawthorn fans)
Plenty of footy fans have vented their frustrations on social media as well, calling for an end to the adoption of American entertainment.
‘The best thing Americans do is set an example of what NOT to do. Most ones I’ve met have been fat, loud and obnoxious. We can do better,’ one fumed.
Another pleaded: ‘Honestly, AFL, we’re actually fine with not being constantly entertained, it’s fine. Shut the hell up for a while, will ya?’
‘It’s a f***ing plague,’ was another blunt assessment.
‘One of the many things they learnt from their trips to the US. They call it ‘fan engagement’ and it’s anything but.’
Richmond fan Tamara Wrobel told News Corp the constant blaring music and bright lights detracted from the football experience.
‘We’re finding that AFL is becoming more like the basketball, with all the noise between goals and trying to get the crowd involved,’ she said.
‘Quite often you’re sitting at the ground and trying to cheer but you can’t hear the crowd because you’re being drowned out by music or commentators.
Rising ticket, food and membership prices are another major source of frustration for footy fans around the country
AFL fans say blaring music and light shows are killing the traditional atmosphere at matches
‘Everything is so loud you can’t actually hear what is going on around you.
‘I like going to the footy for the atmosphere of the footy, not to have music blowing through my eardrums.’
AFL fans’ Association president Ron Issko said fans were worried about what was going to be brought into the entertainment side of things in the coming years.
‘When you’ve got one in five fans saying footy is not as good, my concern is what is next?’ he asked.
‘What if next year it’s two in five?
‘So we’ve got to listen … let’s nip it in the bud now and make sure the AFL are very well aware of the issues that need to be looked at.’
Fans have also been turned off by rising crowd violence.
In the past year, several AFL games have been marred by ugly crowd fights, with videos of punches, kicks, and brawls quickly spreading online.
Fan violence in the stands is another issue the footy supporters think is making the experience worse than it has previously been
The AFL is already looking at another US initiative, this time considering capping contracts at five years to prevent players like Melbourne star Kysaiah Pickett signing bloated deals
At the Gabba, a wild post-match melee erupted after the Swans beat the Lions, while at the MCG a Collingwood–Hawthorn clash saw ten fans ejected after violence in the stands.
Similar scenes unfolded during Port Adelaide’s finals loss to Geelong at Adelaide Oval, and even Carlton’s ‘Respects’ game was overshadowed by spectators trading blows.
But those wanting the AFL to stop adopting American methods should look away now – because another initiative is coming.
AFL boss Andrew Dillon has confirmed the league will look to follow the NBA and take maximum contract lengths to the next collective bargaining agreement.
The move would put an end to ‘Godfather deals’ that have recently seen players like Melbourne star Kysaiah Pickett [nine-year deal] sign mega extensions.
West Coast Eagles star Harley Reid could break that record this trade period, with St Kilda reportedly prepared to offer a 10-year, $15million bonanza.
The AFL is looking at the NBA maximum contract length system to protect clubs from situations where players are signed for bloated deals that they cannot honour because of injuries or concussions.
‘It would be something we would have to talk to the players association about and I think it will be on the table for the next collective bargaining agreement,’ Dillon said.
