$1000 or more: True cost of being a Crows or Port fan

Superfans will support their AFL club no matter the cost – but that cost won’t stop rising, with some spending more than $1000 on merch and games. We crunch the numbers.

Crows and Port supporters agree they’d back their team no matter what the price, but some high-end fans are paying more than $1000 for the privilege.

The cost of going to the footy is now the third-most serious concern for fans, according to an annual national AFL Fans Association survey – up from fifth last year.

The association’s SA spokesman and Port fan Justin Leckie said very little hostility was directed at money going directly to the clubs.

“Our advice is to get whatever sort of admission you can afford, even if it is a three-game membership, or general admission, because that is what supports the club,” he said.

Port diehard Stephanie Way with Crows fanatic Daniela Karantonis outside Adelaide Oval, ready for the new season. Picture: Ben Clark

“Seeing it live is better for most people but we are being told of more and more people who are now thinking they can just get Kayo and stay at home.”

Both Crows and Port Adelaide have reported a run on 2023 men’s team merchandise ahead of the season start this week, with AFLW gear sales expected to peak mid-year before that season starts.

President of the Crows Supporters group Peter Kauschke said some membership deals were affordable for many and not the subject of complaint, but interstate travel was one cost often complained about by fans.

He and his partner were spending $3400 to see the Crows in Darwin.

“The AFL needs to put the round details out sooner so cheaper deals can be had because I could go on a cruise for that price,’’ he said.

“The cost at the stadiums is often raised as an issue by fans.”

An Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority spokeswoman said food and drink prices would be the same as the 2022/23 cricket season.

Port fan Stephanie Way said merchandise was high-end quality and worth the money; “You also can’t go past the scarfs to hold up high over your head during Never Tear Us Apart”.

Originally published as $1000 or more: True cost of being a Crows or Port fan