You can bank on Aussie rules fans

Aussie rules supporters are among the most loyal in the world, according to research which has uncovered a previously hidden group of diehard fans.

Research shows people buy club memberships even when they have no intention of attending a match.

Aussie rules fans are among the most loyal in the world, according to research which shows people buy club memberships even when they have no intention of attending a match.

Swinburne University surveyed thousands of AFL followers and uncovered a previously hidden group of diehard fans who pay to support their team but follow their season from home.

University sport innovation research group director Dr Adam Karg said the trend came as club membership numbers grew beyond what stadium capacities could cater for.

Swinburne University surveyed thousands of AFL followers and uncovered a previously hidden group of diehard fans who pay to support their team but follow their season from home.

“People will buy season tickets to have a connection and level of involvement with the club,” he said.

“They are happy to consume the rest via media and sports authorities are creating products that cater to that.

“AFL fans have the benefit that games are affordable.

“The cost of a membership would get you to just one game for other sports in the United States.”

A survery has uncovered a previously hidden group of diehard fans who pay to support their team but follow their season from home.

Dr Karg said members who stayed at home were more concerned with the administration and management of the club, while regular game-day attendees cared more about the quality of stadiums.

“If a team in New York could convert fans into paid members as well as an Aussie rules club can they would have half a million ticket holders easily,” he said.

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“The trend of sports consumption is that we have access to more content than ever before and that is only going to grow.

“This study taps into what’s happening with that trend at a consumer level.

“If you look all around the world attendances are falling and media rights are going up.

“This study taps into what’s happening with that trend at a consumer level.”

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