People power winning with AFL finally starting to listen to opinions and concerns of passionate fans

PEOPLE power was once an overrated commodity at AFL House. The league knew as much as the fan base could be incandescent with rage about a hot-button issue, they were also easily distracted.

Footy fans are calling on new AFL chief Gillon McLachlan to make changes to the league —

PEOPLE power was once an overrated commodity at AFL House.

The league knew as much as the fan base could be incandescent with rage about an injustice or hot-button issue, they were also easily distracted.

The AFL just sat tight, withstood the storm and waited for the next controversy or issue to roll around so the fans would forget why they were angry in the first place.

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But something has changed in the past few months and it should fill the fans’ hearts with joy.

It might be the social media revolution or just the realisation from within City Hall that the fans can’t be taken for granted any more.

Footy fans are calling on new AFL chief Gillon McLachlan to make changes to the league — and he is likely to listen. Picture: David Caird.

For people power is finally winning on a number of fronts, not the least the Jack Viney decision this week.

From variable ticket pricing, to food and drink costs, to transparency in club penalties, to the attractiveness of the game itself, the AFL seems to be taking heed.

The proof will be in the pudding, or more literally in the price of a bucket of chips that now costs $6.60 at Etihad Stadium.

But where the AFL once made a living from paying lip service to clubs and fans alike, at least the noises coming from AFL Headquarters are encouraging.

AFL Football Operations Manager Mark Evans said it was “impossible” for fans to have influenced the appeals board. But they would have given gentle warnings. Picture: Colleen Petch

AFL footy boss Mark Evans said on Friday it was “impossible” for people power to have influenced the appeals board.

But having sat through Thursday night’s hearing it was hard to see how by law the appeal could be overturned.

Yet overturned it was, and surely the giant roar of protest from Joe Punter was a gentle warning in the ear of those three appeals board members.

Once journalists wrote what they thought the fans wanted to hear about.

Now there is no doubt social media campaigns and Twitter trends can slant an issue or ensure that it stays in the public eye for as long as the public wants.

Incoming AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan is listening to the fans. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

The supporter can speak and ensure the AFL listens.

The outcry over variable ticketing saw the AFL meet the newly-formed fans’ association, with the league promising to smooth the path for club members.

The MCG is playing hard ball over food prices, but after a decade of outcry finally new boss Gillon McLachlan is taking up the cudgels.

And while McLachlan is facing Mission Impossible to make coaches play more attractive football, at least there is an intent to encourage them.

The fans are the lifeblood of our game.

They pay astronomical sums to be members, their rabid interest underpins the profitability of the media that supports the game, they watch enough TV to prop up a $1.258 million broadcast deal.

They matter.

It’s nice to see the AFL recognise and realise that without them they are left with not much at all.