AFL Reach 1 Million Members for 2021
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he AFL have announced a combined total of over one million club members only eight rounds into the 2021 season.
Second only to the record of 1,057,572 set in 2019, the AFL reports surpassing the million-member mark means one in 26 Australians are a member of an AFL club.
AFL chief executive, Gillon McLachlan, said the support of its members is what’s helped the game recover after the challenges of the pandemic.
“The connection that footy supporters have with their clubs is unmatched in world sport,” McLachlan said.
“The commitment members made to their clubs is a key reason why all 18 clubs were able to survive a challenging and unprecedented year in 2020,” he said.
“Their loyalty and unwavering support has allowed the game to bounce back this season, showcased by the record number of attendances around the country since the COVID pandemic hit,” McLachlan said.
Membership records have already been set for the Brisbane Lions, Carlton, Geelong Cats and St Kilda, despite the final membership numbers not being released until after membership sales end, on the 31st of July.
Victorian clubs with reserved seat members will be allowed to return to their designated seats starting in round nine for the MCG and Marvel Stadium and round 10 for GMHBA Stadium.
Still restricted by COVID19, seating arrangements have had to be reconfigured to comply with the government’s safety measures with capacity for the MCG sitting at 85% and 75% for Marvel Stadium, GMHBA Stadium and Mars Stadium.
AFL executive general manager customer and commercial, Kylie Rodgers, said while its great to have fans back in their seats, they must still follow the COVID-safe guidelines.
“Our priority has been to ensure, in the safest way possible that members get back to their beloved reserved seats to enjoy the footy with their friends and family,” Rodgers said.
“It is a great result for football fans in Victoria and highlights the hard work of fans adhering to COVID-safe rules across the first part of last season,” she said.
“It’s another great step in getting back to normal as the community continues to manage life amongst the pandemic,” Rodgers said.
Round nine will kick off on Friday the 14th of May as St Kilda play Geelong at Marvel Stadium.
