AFL club memberships hit record high
August 26, 2015 7:44am
Lauren Wood
Herald Sun
AFL club membership has reached a record high, with 12 of the league’s 18 clubs posting their highest membership tally in history.
Club membership has reached 836,136 – a rise of 3.93 per cent on last year’s figures – meaning one in 28 Australians are a member of their respective club.
Every club except Collingwood, Adelaide, Carlton, Melbourne, St Kilda and Brisbane hit record numbers.
Sydney has had the most success with an incredible 21.71 per cent rise over the past year, taking its membership total to 48,836, while Port Adelaide has overtaken Adelaide for the first time with 54,057 members - a healthy 10.39 per cent jump.
Collingwood still has the highest total of any club at 75,037 – though its 5.43 per cent down on last year’s record of 79,347.
Hawthorn sits in second spot with 72,924, while Richmond took third place with 70,809 members.
League boss Gillon McLachlan said the continual growth was a credit to footy fans who stumped up their hard-earned cash to support their club.
“I want to thank all of the clubs and all our supporters. It’s an amazing story,” he said today.
“It’s just amazing that one in 28 – man, woman or child – across Australia are paying more than $50 (in membership fees).
“It’s an incredible loyalty. Our clubs play such an extraordinary role in the community, and they have an impact on peoples’ day-to-day enjoyment and lives.
“Those numbers are amazing and it’s a credit to our supporters and our clubs.”
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-club-memberships-hit-record-high/story-fni5f3kt-1227499047615
