AFL news: What’s new and what are the best deals your club is offering with its memberships for season 2023

2022 was a record membership year for a number of clubs, but how do they plan to attract even more fans to put their money where their mouths are?

The AFL is coming off a record year of club membership in 2022.

Now, AFL clubs are turning their attention to signing up their members for next season.

So what is your club offering in 2023? Price freezes, package upgrades, rewards and special member events are among the membership perks on offer.

Here is what’s new and the best deals your club is offering members for season 2023.

ADELAIDE

Last year’s membership figure: 63,099

Next year’s target: The Crows have not released their membership target as yet.

What’s new: The Crows have frozen membership prices again for next season. Members will again have the choice between a mobile membership – and having all their information at their fingertips plus a voucher to spend on their choice of membership merchandise – or a standard pack and scarf.

Best deal: The Crows offer a three-game membership for $105 with the choice of any three matches (at $35 per game). The Showdown membership offers a reserved seat for the Crows’ biggest game plus general admission for two games of your choice for $175. The Daily Crow membership is ideal for members who want flexibility – purchase a membership for $35 and get 30 per cent off all tickets for the games you want to attend.

Club details: crowsmembership.com.au or [phone]

Crows veteran Taylor Walker interacts with fans this year. Picture: Steve Bell/Getty Images

BRISBANE LIONS

Last year’s membership figure: 43,319*

Next year’s target: The Lions are targeting 50,000 members in 2023

What’s new: There is a price freeze across all general admission memberships for 2023. The Lions are also offering a new membership — The 4300 (the Springfield postcode) — a purpose-built membership for Springfield locals to access all AFLW home games at the club’s new facility in Springfield and any three men’s games at the Gabba.

Best deal: The Lions premium season membership includes a premium reserved seat for all Lions home matches at the Gabba. The package also includes a membership kit, $20 Lions shop voucher, two complimentary guest tickets (adult and concession only) plus discounted additional tickets. There is also access to purchase a ticket to week one-three of finals and priority two access to purchase a grand final ticket should the Lions be competing. This deal also offers a 10 per cent member discount at the Lions shop.

Club details: Phone [phone], visit membership.lions.com.au or contact [e-mail]

*Club membership record in 2022

The Lions are chasing 50,000 members in 2023. Picture: AFL Photos via Getty Images

CARLTON

Last year’s membership figure: 88,776*

Next year’s target: The club is aiming to break its 2022 membership record

What’s new: The Blues are offering a new Carltonians membership package for 2023, providing access to premium reserved bay seating at the MCG and Marvel Stadium; the ability to purchase guest passes, priority access to weeks one-three of finals and guaranteed access to purchase a grand final ticket should Carlton take part. Carlton also has an early-sign up offer for those wanting to purchase a membership as a gift, the cut-off date is December 1 for the membership to arrive before Christmas.

Best deal: The Blues named their Member Zone membership as good value for Carlton members. Adults can access all 11 Blues’ home matches, including level one seating in a Carlton member area from $28 per month. Members also receive a $50 voucher to the Carlton shop and can purchase guest passes for family and friends.

Club details: Sign up in-store at the Carlton shop (400 Royal Parade, Carlton North) or call 1300 227 586. Visit am.ticketmaster.com/carlton/ or request a call from the membership team am.ticketmaster.com/carlton/request-a-call

*Club membership record in 2022

With things on the improve at Carlton, the Blues will be hoping to break their 2022 membership record. Picture: AFL Photos via Getty Images

COLLINGWOOD

Last year’s membership figure: 100,384*

Next year’s target: The club said its aim was to continue to grow its membership base after a record 100,000 signed up this year.

What’s new: The Magpies are offering three new variations of the Legends membership — Legends Choice GA, Legends Gold GA and Legends Home.

Best deal: The Magpie Stars (junior membership) offers four-game general admission access as well as a Magpie Stars pack, including a lunch-box cooler, personalised stickers, bag tag and a junior Sherrin football as well as the core pack items – membership card, scarf, lanyard, bumper sticker and years of service patch – for $59.

Club details: Phone 1300 MAGPIE (1300 624 743), visit membership.collingwoodfc.com.au/ or contact [e-mail]

*Club membership record in 2022

The Magpies membership crashed through the 100,000 barrier this year. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

ESSENDON

Last year’s membership figure: 86,001*

Next year’s target: The Bombers will aim to again break their membership record

What’s new: To reward their members, the Bombers are giving all renewing members the opportunity to lock in their 2023 membership at the 2022 price if they sign up by November 17. Members can access this price lock by making a full or part-payment on their 2023 membership.

Best deal: The Flexi 4 membership is $99 and provides access to four home-and-away games played in Melbourne (excluding Anzac Day). For fans who don’t get the opportunity to go to games, the Essendon Insider plan is $65 and includes all member benefits, including access to member exclusive content.

Contact details: efc.com.au or 03 8340 2000 during business hours.

*Club membership record in 2022

For a club which hasn’t won a final for 18 years the Bombers still have a strong membership. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

FREMANTLE

Last year’s membership figure: 56,105*

Next year’s target: The Dockers have set a target of 80,000 members by 2025

What’s new: The Dockers are offering improved member packs across all memberships, including a beefed-up junior pack. Baby Dokka is a new baby membership, featuring the club’s new mascot Dokka the Quokka. The Dockers are offering their first-ever standing room membership — Platinum Social. There are also improved benefits to the club’s Freo Faithful member loyalty program.

Best deal: The Dockers said their annual membership was always the best value, but a half-season option if available for $154 per adult ($26 per game for six games, including the Derby).

Club details: Phone [phone], visit membership.fremantlefc.com.au or contact [e-mail]

*Club membership record in 2022

GEELONG

Last year’s membership figure: 71,943*

Next year’s target: 80,000 members

What’s new: The Cats will soon be launching a member recognition program to reward its loyal members. The program will reward members with a range of additional benefits based on consecutive years of membership, including Cats shop discounts and exclusive events and discounts. Any members who sign up by round one will go into the draw to win a new Ford. Members who sign up (via Easy Pay) by December 15 will go into the draw to win a Sherrin football signed by the premiership team.

Best deal: The Cats have introduced a new Flexi 6 membership, which provides a bundle of six tickets. This can allow members to attend six games or invite their friends to a game.

Club details for membership: Visit membership.geelongcats.com.au or phone [phone].

*Club membership record in 2022

Geelong will be looking to increase its membership base on the back of this year’s premiership success.

GOLD COAST SUNS

Last year’s membership figure: 21,422*

Next year’s target: The Suns will again aim to set another membership benchmark after breaking their own membership record the past three years.

What’s new: There is a loyalty discount for Gold Coast members who have been signed-up for five or more consecutive years. Flexible membership options, including non-access packages, three-game and interstate memberships as well as full-season and reserved seat memberships are available. Members can build their own personalised package to suit their needs. Gold Coast members will get exclusive discounts at the Suns’ shop and the online New Balance store and there are options to choose between different merchandise and apparel. Members can also opt-in for physical membership cards for the first time since Covid to access games.

Best deal: The Suns rated their family memberships across all categories as the best value on offer. For individuals, the club’s Flexi 15 membership offered members the flexibility to choose how they wanted to use their membership with 15 adult tickets available to be used in any combination across all home games on the Gold Coast.

Club details: goldcoastfc.com.au/membership or 1300 784 436

*Club membership record in 2022

GWS GIANTS

Last year’s membership figure: 32,614*

Next year’s target: The Giants are aiming to build on the 2022 club-record membership next season

What’s new: GWS has frozen membership prices for a third-consecutive season and physical membership cards are back. Members can get access to bonuses, including game-day discounts, player meet-and-greets and Sydney Royal Easter Show access. The Giants have also just launched their new tenure rewards program, rewarding loyal members with extra access and inclusions when they maintain their membership for two, five or 10 years.

Best deal: The Sydney Silver 8 membership provides access to all eight Sydney home games from the Suttor Stand for $269 for an adult, a saving of 66 per cent on single tickets. For new members, the Giants’ three-game flexi membership offers access to any three home games in Sydney or Canberra for $95.

Club details: www.gwsgiants.com.au/ or call 1300 GIANTS

*Club membership record in 2022

HAWTHORN

Last year’s membership figure: 81,494*

Next year’s target: The Hawks are again targeting another membership record

What’s new: The free upgrades given to Hawthorn members to reward their loyalty during Covid will again be offered for season 2023. Barcoded physical membership cards are also returning.

Best deal: The Dunstall Club (from $29.50 per month) is the most flexible membership option, allowing members to select which games they want to attend, where they want to sit and who they want to bring as a guest. The club’s Flexi-10 membership (from $19 per month) offers 10 tickets for use as desired with family and friends, such as five tickets at two games or two tickets at five games. Three-game memberships (from $11 per month) also offer an affordable and flexible option for those who can’t attend every match, but provide access to member benefits.

Club details: membership.hawthornfc.com.au/contact or membership.hawthornfc.com.au/packages

*Club membership record in 2022

MELBOURNE

Last year’s membership figure: 66,484*

Next year’s target: 75,000 members

What’s new: Physical membership cards are back for members who want them.

Best deal: Members ages under 15 can get access to all home-and-away games in Melbourne and a member pack, including a mini Sherrin and lunch box with the Young Demon membership ($76). The Demon Seats Plus — Area membership offers a premium seat on the wing of level one in an exclusive member area ($49.10 per month over 10 months). It also provides the option to bring guests and priority access to a grand final ticket if Melbourne is competing.

Club details: Phone [phone] or visit membership.melbournefc.com.au/

*Club membership record in 2022

Melbourne is eager to cash in on their recent success. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

NORTH MELBOURNE

Last year’s membership figure: 50,191*

Next year’s target: After breaking its membership record in 2022, the Kangaroos are aiming to grow and add to this figure next season.

What’s new: There are improved Future Roo packs for juniors, featuring exclusive personalised merchandise and access to a player-run clinic. Adult members can request a revamped membership pack, with the return of lanyards, improved stickers and, if they choose, barcoded membership cards for match access. All level one reserved member bays now have access to the social club at Marvel Stadium.

Best deal: An adult three-game general admission membership is $99 and juniors can get access to all home-and-away games in Melbourne for $40.

Club details: Call 1300 526 427 or visit membership.nmfc.com.au

*Club membership record in 2022

Richmond was only the third club to push through the 100,000 ceiling. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

PORT ADELAIDE

Last year’s membership figure: 58,643*

Next year’s target: Port choose not to release its membership target.

What’s new: There is a price freeze on all membership packages. Three-game members will receive a complimentary upgrade to a six-game membership. Members will have the option to receive a barcoded membership card or remain with mobile ticketing and receive a Port store voucher. Port’s Mega Member pre-sale access will allow members to purchase or upgrade tickets to home games before the general public. There will be a new exclusive Port Adelaide member rewards store for long-term members who have retained their membership with the club for six or more years.

Best deal: The Power’s three-game home membership is $100, offering a saving of more than $40 on daily ticket prices.

Club details: Visit portadelaidefc.com.au/membership; contact [e-mail] or phone [phone]

*Club membership record in 2022

Power sits second for club memberships in Adelaide.

RICHMOND

Last year’s membership figure: 100,792

Next year’s target: 100,000+ members

What’s new: The Tigers have introduced Richmond member rewards, providing a new way for supporters to customise and personalise their membership pack with members now able to choose from more than 30 merchandise items. Members can also choose to add their name or consecutive years of membership to selected items. Barcoded membership cards are also returning for those who want them and shipping is free when spending within the allocated credit.

Best deal: Richmond fans can secure a level one seat at the club’s blockbuster home matches and general admission access to big away games, including the Dreamtime and Anzac Day Eve matches with a Roaming Tiger membership. This package includes access to all 16 games in Melbourne and $50 to spend on Richmond member rewards for $42 per month. For supporters who want flexibility and can’t make it to all games, Richmond offers a Tiger Insider membership with access to three home games for $98, including $50 to spend on member rewards.

Club details: 1300 742 466 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm), contact [e-mail] or visit strongandbold.com.au

ST KILDA

Last year‘s membership figure: 60,172*

Next year’s target: The Saints have not released their membership target as yet.

What’s new: Celebrating the club’s 150th year, all 2023 members will receive a special edition 150-year membership pack with additional anniversary items. Membership cards will also return for those who prefer one to digital access.

Best deal: The Saints offer a four-game membership with reserved-bay seating on level one of Marvel Stadium for $140.

Club details: saintsmembership.com.au or 1300 467 246

*Club membership record in 2022

SYDNEY SWANS

Last year’s membership figure: 55,394

Next year’s target: 65,000

What’s new: The Swans move into their new headquarters in a month where they will be hosting member-only events. Sydney will hold an exclusive “Redback” member experience, providing a sneak peak of the club’s new home. The Swans said its new headquarters would bring its members closer to its players and the inner sanctum of the club’s men’s and women’s programs. There will also be a member-exclusive Swans shop and the new Royal Hall of Industries.

Best deal: The Swans Pass ($265) is an 11-game flexible membership, allowing the member to use their tickets how and when they want during the season. For a family of four — two adults and two children — the Gold 11 pass is $925 for all Swans’ home games plus premium seating – $84 per home game for four tickets ($21 per ticket).

Club details: www.membership.sydneyswans.com.au or [phone]

Crowd favourite Isaac Heeney keeps the memberships ticking over. Picture: Phil Hillyard

WEST COAST EAGLES

Last year’s membership figure: 102,897

Next year’s target: The Eagles have not set a specific target for next season, but said the club was focused on maintaining high satisfaction levels for existing and new members.

What’s new: The Eagles have not made any changes to their membership packages for 2023, but there will again be no increase to membership prices. The Eagles have had a price freeze on their membership prices since 2020.

Best deal: The Eagles said all their memberships were good value, depending on what supporters were looking for in a membership. The club continues to offer a waitlist for match-access memberships (In the Wings).

Club details: [phone], [e-mail], or westcoasteagles.com.au/membership

All Bulldogs members will receive a scarf as part of their 2023 membership pack. Picture: AFL Photos via Getty Images

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Last year’s membership figure: 50,941*

Next year’s target: The Bulldogs said their priority and focus was to enhance the experience of all Bulldogs members in 2023.

What’s new: There is a price freeze across all general admission product categories. For the first time, all members will receive a Bulldogs scarf as part of their 2023 membership pack. Members on the Committed Bulldog payment plan will receive an additional $20 Bulldogs shop voucher. Barcoded membership cards will also return for members on a reserved seat or general admission product.

Best deal: A three-game level-two membership (Flexi Gold three-game, $160) allows members to sit in premium seating at a fraction of the price of a full-season membership.

Club details: Phone 1300 GO DOGS (46 3647) or visit membership.westernbulldogs.com.au

*Club membership record in 2022

Originally published as AFL news: What’s new and what are the best deals your club is offering with its memberships for season 2023