Angry Brisbane Lions fan calls out sneaky Marvel Stadium move on Sunday

An angry Brisbane Lions fan went on the attack and called out the league over a sneaky move that unfolded at Marvel Stadium.

Fan calls out AFL over Marvel Stadium tactic

If you were watching Hawthorn take on Brisbane on Sunday from the comfort of home, Marvel Stadium looked like it had a decent crowd in attendance.

But as one furious Lions fan revealed, the reality was nothing like what the viewers were seeing on their TV screens.

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A crowd of 29,664 filed through the Marvel Stadium gates, just a tick over half the official capacity of 54,000.

So how did the stadium look like it was jam-packed with footy fans on the broadcast? Multiple sections around the ground were closed off to those in attendance.

While it’s not an uncommon practice to be done, especially when ticket sales are on the lower end of the scale, it didn’t sit well with one Lions fan.

Nicole Chapman took to social media with a video from the upper section on one wing which showed the top section from behind one goal all the way around to the other on the far side of the ground behind completely empty.

“Genius idea, AFL — let’s close half the general admission seating so it looks full for the broadcast. I love unnecessarily being in the nose bleeds,” Nicole Chapman wrote on X.

While fans were quick to point out the reasoning behind the move, Chapman wasn’t happy with her game day experience.

“I get commercially why they do it but as a fan experience it’s horrible,” she fire back.

“Lines for everything and sitting second row from the top for a game that’s not sold out.”

Chapman had even more reason to be angry as the Hawks took control of the contest and continued their recent dominance over the Lions.

The Hawks added even more pain for the faltering Lions as they secured the 15.10 (100) to 10.15 (75) victory.

Brisbane would have moved to within four or six points of the top eight had they won the match many expected them to win.

Instead, nearing the halfway mark of the season, last year’s Grand Final runners-up have slipped to two-and-a-half games outside the eight and will probably need to win at least eight of their last 13 games to make the finals.

The Hawks are flying. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

The Hawks have continued their impressive run of form since they started the year 0-5, and they've now won four of their last six matches.

Will Day was outstanding for the Hawks with 26 disposals (11 contested), five clearances and a goal, James Worpel had a big say on proceedings with 28 touches (13) and nine clearances, while Jack Gunston (seven marks) saved his best performance of the year for his old club with a season-high four goals.

“They were accurate today, we’re seeing them grow,” Hawthorn legend Dermott Brereton said post-game on Fox Footy.

“One thing I’d say as a Hawks supporter, for this current era of players and the way Sam coaches, once again today, they kick 100 points.

“They’re a bottom-four team and they are exceptionally watchable.”

The Hawks will take on Adelaide next weekend from the MCG while Brisbane will enjoy a bye.