Disillusioned fans won't cop scandals, scamble for cash Aaron Langmaid
From: Herald Sun
July 26, 2011 THE AFL risks shedding its fan base within five years as disillusioned footy fans turn their back on the game, critics have warned.
Off-field scandals, controversial rule changes and the league's mega broadcast deal have led to a groundswell of supporters who feel increasingly alienated from clubs and the league.
Victoria University football studies expert Dr Matthew Klugman said the AFL should tread carefully or risk sparking an exodus.
"We are seeing a fairly strong shift and it places the AFL in a vulnerable position," Dr Klugman said.
"All we need is another one or two more things before we see a shearing-off of supporters."
Poor behaviour of players, questions over player loyalty and ongoing rule changes were contributing to the hostility, Dr Klugman said.
The corporatisation of the game was also a big factor, he said.
"This is also the first time a season has been dominated by stories about players who might shift clubs for more money," he said.
"Fans are tied to footy primarily because they love their club, but their relationship with the AFL as a whole is very hostile."
He said if the position of the Greater Western Sydney or the Gold Coast Suns clubs strengthened at the expense of faltering Victorian sides, hostilities could grow even further.
"The next five years is going to be very interesting and challenging," Dr Klugman said.
AFL Fans' Association spokesman Brian Clarke said fans felt shut out.
"They pay their membership and as football taxpayers should be able to have their say.
"But they are losing their voice, they feel alienated."
But AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said the league was conscious of the needs of supporters as a key priority for decision-making on the future of the game.
"The AFL is extremely grateful at all times to every supporter who makes the effort to attend a match and to every fan who makes the commitment to join a club as a member of their team," Mr Keane said.
He said combined club memberships exceeded 650,000 this season and attendance at games was at an historic high.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/disillusioned-fans-wont-cop-scandals/story-fn60xo8t-1226101607405
