AFL membership ladder: Richmond surges ahead as Collingwood and Western Bulldogs lose members

THE AFL has finally cracked the magical million figure for club memberships as Richmond surges well ahead of its Victorian rivals. Only two clubs — including one of the state’s “big four” — lost members.

THE AFL has finally cracked the magical million figure for club memberships as Richmond surges well ahead of its Victorian rivals.

The league believes the remarkable figure of 1,008,494 is proof fans are still in love with the game despite a year of controversy over low-­scoring football.

Reigning premiers Richmond had 100,726 paid-up members at Tuesday’s official July 31 cut-off date, up 28,057 (38.6 per cent) from last year.

FANS SURVEY: THE RULES THAT MAKE YOUR BLOOD BOIL

FIVE-DAY FIX: HOW CLUBS CAN SAVE THE AFL FIXTURE

TRADE TALK: SAINTS CONFIRM GAFF INTEREST

They led the membership tally ahead of Hawthorn (80,302), West Coast (80,290) and Essendon (79,319), with one in 24 Australians members of an AFL club.

Collingwood has dropped to fifth on the tally with 75,507, and with the Western Bulldogs, they are the only clubs to lose members. The Dogs dropped 4407 members (9.2 per cent) to 43,246 after a poor on-field year and sit 14th on the ladder.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan told the Herald Sun the total number — up from 907,561 — proved football’s resilience and emotional connection to the fans.

“It is a huge part of so many people’s lives and a credit to the passion of the supporters,” he said.

“A million members has been an aspiration for us for some time.

“Reaching that figure is a credit the clubs and the commitment and connection of supporters.”

The league admits that much of the growth has been driven by three- and five-game memberships, with 11-game memberships steady.

But McLachlan said enlisting fans with three-game memberships was an “entry point” that converted them to 11-game memberships.

Sixteen of the AFL’s 18 clubs increased their membership tallies and 13 achieved a membership record in 2018.

Richmond has not only hit six figures for the first time, but it has sold out all of its membership categories guaranteeing a Grand Final ticket.

AFL Round 15. 28/06/2018. Richmond v Sydney at Etihad Stadium. Richmond fans . Pic: Michael Klein

Essendon has emerged from the crisis with its fans still on board, now logging a record 79,319 paid-up fans, up 11,551 on 2017.

There is also good news for likely wooden spooner Carlton on the membership front, breaking its record and finishing 11 per cent up on last year.

Greater Western Sydney for the first time hit 25,000 members, up 4299 to 25,243 in what was the third-highest percentage leap across the league.

Every northern market club increased its membership, with Gold Coast up 443 members to 12,108 and Brisbane up 16 per cent to 24,867.

The league has promised to next year revamp its ­Friday-night fixture and is determined to show fans a more attractive open brand of football.

[e-mail]