AFL Round One Breaks Attendance Record

Round One of the 2025 AFL Premiership Season attracted 431,505 spectators, setting a new attendance record and reflecting strong fan engagement across the league. This marks only the fifth occasion in AFL history that attendance surpassed 400,000 in a single round, emphasising sustained growth and ongoing opportunities for clubs, sponsors, and broadcasters.

The opening round began notably on Thursday night, drawing an average crowd of 47,945 per game. The match between Carlton and Richmond remained a significant draw, reinforcing the fixture’s consistent appeal. However, the standout game of the weekend was the clash between Essendon and Hawthorn, which drew a record 86,735 fans, surpassing their previous high from 2017. This indicates effective promotional efforts by both clubs and rising fan interest.

Additionally, the Grand Final rematch between Sydney and Brisbane attracted 34,906 spectators, the largest attendance for this fixture in nearly 20 years. These numbers highlight effective club marketing and improved match-day experiences that resonate with fans.

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon acknowledged the clubs, venues, and broadcasters for their efforts in driving attendance: “The passion from our fans has again shown the strength of our game, and we thank them for contributing to a memorable opening weekend.”

This strong attendance performance suggests the continued importance of strategic fan engagement initiatives. Clubs focusing on enhancing the match-day experience and deepening community connections can anticipate consistent attendance growth and increased commercial potential. Sponsors and broadcasters will also benefit from the heightened visibility and engagement driven by these strong spectator turnouts.

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