How the Popularity of the AFL is Booming to Record Levels

The Australian Football League is one of the world’s most popular national sports with booming numbers of both participants and spectators alike. With each coming season, scores of fans tune in to matches on sports networks, attend the blockbuster games and even watch online.

The 2014 season is set to be the biggest season for AFL yet with huge ticket and merchandise sales leading the way. Let’s take a deeper look into the statistics.

The average attendance for AFL games continues to grow year on year making the sport one of the most popular spectator sports in the country. In 2012, the total number of spectators for the entire season amounted to a staggering 6,778,559 spectators through the 207 games played leading to a season average of 32,747 per game across the board. The Collingwood Magpies achieves the highest gross attendance figures with a total of 1,145,476 for their 23-game season which averaged out as 45,819 per game.

The 2013 AFL premiership season gained extra fans with its 207-game season long attendance figure of 6,931,085. This averaged out at 33,484 per game. 2013 saw Richmond increase their fan base attendance with a figure of 1,137,980 tickets sold for the season giving them an average of 49,477 per game.

With these increasing attendance figures, the sport has grown in many different ways. Merchandising has become a huge growing sector for the AFL with jersey sales increasing year on year. With all popular sports comes sporting icons, and the AFL is no different. There are a few AFL players who sell more merchandise than others thanks to both their commercial appeal as well as their performances on the field.

Lance Franklin is one of those players who has achieved the status of most popular merchandising icon, with the 2012 and 2013 seasons behind him he managed to sell more jerseys, badges, t-shirts and caps by more than double the sales of any other player. The percentage of jersey sales have also increased year on year to end a booming year of 2013.

The highest number of jersey sales went to Essendon, Hawthorn and West Coast, with Franklin’s team mate Cyrol Rioli coming in a close second. Other notable shirt sellers include Carlton skipper Chris Judd, with Brownlow medallist Chris Judd making the top four.

With spectacular sport on display at many of the AFLs more popular events, you can see why this sport has captivated the imagination of a nation. With a growing popularity year on year, many new household names are being etched into the history books to make the Australian Football league one of the biggest sports nationwide.

Image source: spectatorsportsonline, alivemobile, markdadswell

5 Affordable Father’s Day Gift Ideas!

Whether it’s for a birthday, Christmas or Father’s Day, buying for the old man is no easy task. While your Dad is probably likely to appreciate any effort you make, nobody is thrilled about getting socks and jocks on their special day.

With Father’s Day just around the corner, we thought we’d give you some suggestions about relatively cheap gifts that will put you in the good books with Dad and - most importantly - bring a smile to his face. It’s time to reward the hard-worker in the family! Our AFL store stocks a huge range of perfect father’s day gifts. Below are some of our favourites if you’re watching your budget. A combination of items can make for a great present!

 

Ballpoint Pen ($5)

A business man can never have too many pens. These official AFL ballpoint pens are available in every team’s colours and are the perfect way for Dad to show his love of the game at the office.

Luggage Tag ($10)

If your father/husband travels a lot for work, an official AFL luggage tag will enable him to take his favourite team wherever he goes! A cute addition to a travel bag that serves a purpose too.

Stubby Holder ($9.95)

There’s nothing like enjoying a cold one while watching the footy. Your Dad will look that part these finals with his team’s colours wrapped around his beer!

Beach Towel ($29.95)

You might not believe, but it’s going to be summer time very soon which means no more footy and more time at the beach! A beach towel is a good way for your Dad or husband to show off his passion and love for the game in the offseason.

Polar Fleece Throw Rug ($34.95)

It’s true that it’s heating up in Melbourne as we approach spring (and summer eventually!), but the footy is still here and we’re headed towards what we think is going to be a fantastic finals series! Get your Dad an official AFL club throw rug and keep the whole family warm next time you’re at the footy.

If you’re really looking to spoil the old man and splash out a little more, there are a host of perfect gift ideas on our website including jumpers, scarves, polos and more! Otherwise, you can come and visit us in store for more affordable gift ideas including coffee mugs, thermal cups, bottle coolers and bar packs.

Here’s hoping you’re able to pick something up for the big fella that he loves!