TOPIC:

Westaussie, made worse by the fact this year was one of the best in recent years, a very close comp with several teams in the mix for finals, and some changes at the top as well with Subi falling off and EF having a revival, WP SD in the mix as well all who once had good crowds.

Quite a few factors have not helped, the crazy decision by EF to play home games at the WACA, the failure of Leederville to host games, persisting with country games that now only pull a few hundred people, the age of most wafl diehards is really kicking in, plenty staying away for fear of covid and the never bothered to come back.

WAFL people being mainly older lower income people, Cost of living plays a part as well, pensioners find the day out expensive. price of beer alone due to tax hikes is outrageous add to that fuel to get around and its cheaper to stay home at watch the tele.

But the main problem is they are dieing off and younger generation is just not there in numbers.

bolter wrote:

It looks like the crowds where great on the weekend. 
Now that the full attendance have been added to the WAFL site it looks like they are not too bad for this season and I would say are up on the last few years. The total crowds that get posted in the West Australian are all over the place and sometimes far lower than the official totals.

Well down I'm afraid.

I think that Covid is still playing a role in the crowd numbers. I believe many are staying away as they can still watch their team on the live stream without the perceived risk of Covid. Hopefully those punters will feel safer next year and some crowds might return, but the lazy self obsessed WAFC need to spend some money on promoting the WAFL. Time to impose a levy on the 2 highly profitable AFL teams who's licences are owned by the WAFC, to go into a marketing fund for the WAFL. Even $500k which is a pittance for both clubs would give a big boost to WAFL awareness and recognition. Making sure there is plenty of content for the sports report at the end of each news programme, even if they have to pay for it. Set up some competitions that appeal to the younger demographic to get them involved. It aint rocket science.

Nearly 11000 at last weekends round is extremely good number considering it was raining.

A considerable increase from previous weeks. 2500 easily Bassendeans best crowd of the season, credit to the West Perth supporters for getting along on a cold wet day.

No doubt crowd numbers have been down slightly in the WAFL this year and many of you have nominated some of the reasons why that might be the case eg covid, live streaming, economy, weather etc.
In fairness to Swans Mike I reckon our last 6 games at Basso have been rain affected with the kids playzone and junior clubs council parade all having to be cancelled as a result and they effected our home attendance numbers for sure.

Yes good point BH, Although the silver lining is that Swans appear to play better in wet and windy conditions rather than sunny days at the WACA!

I noticed Claremont Oval has installed new double bench seats on the grass area directly in front of the new stand.

I'm bitterly disappointed with the WAFC's lack of promotion to our bloody good competition and it no doubt affects attendances 
- considering the draft potential and those benefits to them it really is damning and the WAFL website is so out-dated and simply not up to a good standard anymore , or any standard actually
This current batch of no hopers are just deplorable and we need a change to it's current form or make-up immediately for the better of the competition
Our competition offers a wonderful option for those who cannot get into AFL or afford it but you'd hardly know that given the total lack of support from the WAFC in it's operation
I can only hope the 8 traditional clubs get into the WAFC at the end of the year and get something far better than what we currently receive 

Agree Southerner some of the recent decision making really has me stumped and its not just the WAFC., some clubs are doing outright stupid things.