Footy fans ready for the price of glory as membership costs rise Wes Hosking
Herald Sun
January 05, 2011 FOOTY families are facing financial pain this season as clubs increase membership fees by up to $20.
But it's not all bad news, with costs frozen for many supporters.
A Herald Sun survey of the AFL's 10 Victorian clubs has found Melbourne Demons supporters face the biggest rises for an 11-game family membership, with costs rising from $365 to $385.
North Melbourne has also raised its package $20, but the rise can be avoided if families have their membership automatically renewed.
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Carlton, Essendon, Geelong, Hawthorn and St Kilda increased their 11-game family offerings by $10 or more.
Collingwood has spared families such pain but raised general memberships for adults, juniors and those with concession by $5.
Other clubs have similar rises, but the Western Bulldogs and
Richmond have frozen membership fees.North Melbourne general manager consumer business and fan development Dino Imbriano said members could avoid price increases if they joined the new "Troo Roo for Life" automatic renewal program, which offers a $10 discount for adults and $5 for juniors.
"There are no increases on this plan and we are still one of the most affordable clubs to join," Mr Imbriano said.
"It's still cheaper than paying at the gate by taking out a membership and there is no better reward than being a member of a highly successful club like North Melbourne."
The Roos have cut $10 off a junior 16 membership.
Essendon chief commercial officer Richard Burnet, whose club has added $18 to its Family 11 membership, justified its increases.
"This year's membership price rises are in line with costs of goods increases and improved quality of members' package items," he said.
"We have found the demand for 2011 memberships very strong, with supporters reacting favourably to our new coaching structure and 'Stand as One' campaign, resulting in a record pre-Christmas membership tally of over 30,000."
Carlton supporter Angela Gauci said the extra costs were manageable and helped build AFL amid competition from other codes.
"It starts at grass roots by supporting your local club," she said. "In turn you are strengthening the code across the country."
Cashed-up members will also pay more. Collingwood's premium 10-year adult Club 5 offering, which offers a guaranteed grand final ticket if the Pies make it there and other exclusive extras, rises $400 to $8900.
Essendon's High Mark membership costs $882 for an adult for one year.
Melbourne and Hawthorn are the only Victorian clubs to offer family memberships for up to four children.
The others cater for two adults and two children.
Melbourne was not available for comment .
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