SANFL Crowds .. 2018 Season Half Time Report

Last weekend marked the half way point of the 2018 SANFL Minor Round (45 games played, 45 to go).

That is now enough of a sample size to provide a guide on crowd movements this season.

Please note these figures are those gleamed from newspaper reports, they may not be 100% official.

A summary of what these figures mean is below.

SANFL

2018 Total (45 games) – 105,876  
v 2017 after 45 games – 110,183
…………………………………………………. down 4,307

2018 Average per game (45 games)   .. 2353
v 2017 Average for whole season …....  2265   up 78pg  (+3.44%)
v 2017 Average at same time (45gm) .  2449   down 96pg  (-3.91%)


TOTAL CROWD RANKINGS (HOME & AWAY GAMES)

1st Sturt  - Avg 3619pg
           v 2017 Whole Season UP 820pg +29.3%
          v 2017 First Half UP 511pg  +16.4%

2nd Port – Avg 2764pg
          v 2017 Whole Season  UP 269pg +10.8%
          v 2017 First Half  DOWN 19pg -0.7%

3rd Norwood – Avg 2696pg
         v 2017 Whole Season  DOWN 126pg -4.5%
         v 2017 First Half  DOWN 499pg -15.6%

4th North – Avg 2392pg
          v 2017 Whole Season  UP 325pg +15.7%
          v 2017 First Half UP 128pg +5.7%

5th Glenelg – Avg 2186pg
         v 2017 Whole Season DOWN 249pg -10.2%
         v 2017 First Half DOWN 572pg -20.7%

6th Central – Avg 2097pg
         v 2017 Whole Season UP 74pg +3.7%
         v 2017 First Half DOWN 44pg -2.0%

7th Eagles – Avg 2011pg
         v 2017 Whole Season DOWN 243pg -10.8%
         v 2017 First Half DOWN 291pg -12.6%

8th South – Avg 1931pg
        v 2017 Whole Season UP 211pg  +12.3%
        v 2017 First Half UP 57pg +3.0%

9th Adelaide – Avg 1916pg
         v 2017 Whole Season DOWN 256pg -11.8%
         v 2017 First Half DOWN 170pg -8.2%

10th West – Avg 1914pg
          v 2017 Whole Season UP 45pg  +2.4%
          v 2017 First Half DOWN 57pg -2.9%


CROWD RANKINGS (HOME GAMES ONLY)

1st Sturt  - Avg 3860pg
           v 2017 Whole Season UP 958pg +33.0%
          v 2017 First Half UP 425pg  +12.4%

2nd Norwood – Avg 3116pg
          v 2017 Whole Season  DOWN 21pg -0.7%
          v 2017 First Half  DOWN 277pg -8.2%

3rd Central – Avg 2182pg
        v 2017 Whole Season  UP 284pg +14.9%
         v 2017 First Half  UP 222pg +11.3%

4th West – Avg 2071pg
          v 2017 Whole Season  UP 337pg +19.4%
          v 2017 First Half UP 348pg +20.2%

5th North – Avg 2021pg
          v 2017 Whole Season  UP 29pg +1.5%
          v 2017 First Half DOWN 177pg -8.1%

6th Glenelg – Avg 1981pg
        v 2017 Whole Season DOWN 587pg -22.9%
         v 2017 First Half DOWN 1125pg -36.2%

7th Port – Avg 1980pg
         v 2017 Whole Season DOWN 566g -22.2%
         v 2017 First Half DOWN 742pg -27.3%

8th Eagles – Avg 1920pg
        v 2017 Whole Season DOWN 170pg  -8.1%
        v 2017 First Half UP 185pg +10.7%

9th South – Avg 1660pg
         v 2017 Whole Season UP 34pg +2.1%
         v 2017 First Half DOWN 176pg -9.6%


SIX LARGEST CROWDS SO FAR
7,965 – Sturt v Port, Rd4 (ANZAC DAY)
5.286 – Norwood v Sturt, Rd 1 (EASTER MONDAY)
3,782 – Central v North, Rd 1 (GOOD FRIDAY)
3,213 – Sturt v Glenelg, Rd 8
3,143 – South v Glenelg, Rd 1 (GOOD FRIDAY)
3,143 – Sturt v Adelaide, Rd 2

FIVE LOWEST CROWDS SO FAR
857 – South v Adelaide, Rd 3
1215 – South v Central, Rd 6
1311 – South v Eagles, Rd 8
1348 – Central v West, Rd 3
1444 – West v Glenelg, Rd 6


SUMMARY

There are lies, damm lies and statistics and at this point of the season these numbers can be interpreted in a number of ways to suit the argument you wish to make, but I thinks these are some key findings.

1) Overall crowds look to be heading for another decline this year.  Whilst still 3.44% ahead of last years FINAL figure, attendances do tend to drop off the further the season progresses and compared with first 45 games last year figures are 3.91% behind. However if the SANFL can hold at current levels and the Sturt v Norwood clash along with the Eagles Carnival Day bring big numbers ..maybe just maybe there can be some growth.

2) ANZAC Day was the standout success. Almost 8,000 at Unley more than the previous 2 ANZAC Day games combined. Easter Monday's Norwood v Sturt clash also out drew their 2017 game at The Parade by almost 2000. (5286 to 3382).

3) Some traditional blockbusters are losing their lustre.
 a) SANFL Showdowns at Alberton have shrunk over the years. The first two crowds were 6,196 (2014) and 4,864 (2015). The last three 2,235 (2016) 2,289 (2017) and in a Rd 1 game 2,451 this year.
 b) The Port at Norwood under lights clash was always brings one of the leagues biggest crowds. 5,526 (2015), 5,112 (2016), 4659 (2017). This years turnup of 2,642 was a major surprise for all.
 c) Queens Birthday at the Bay. The traditional clash v North in recent years has seen 3,868 (2014), 3,480 (2015) & 4365 (2016). Last year at Prospect saw 2,641 attend. Last Monday, back at Glenelg, with North flying, just 2083.


4) Sturt and West the big improvers
  The Double Blues can do no wrong off the field, 4000 members cracked this week and they have broken away from Norwood to be the clear Home Crowd leaders. They lead the Legs by more than 700 per game, an increase of 33% over last years final figure.   Westies rise has also been substancial up 19.4% on full 2017 season and 20.2% (the biggest rise in league) on same number of home games in 2017.


5) Glenelg, Port & Norwood night footy the worries
Norwood have held 3 Friday night games (Adelaide 2,396 Port 2,692 & Central 2,964), none have cracked 3000, usually a given for any game under lights at the Parade.
Port fans seem to turn up for the big Sturt games (Grand Final & ANZAC Day) but there is little love for going to Alberton. Compared with first 4 home games last year Port are down 742 per match or 27.3%. However Sturt and Norwood are about to visit Power HQ.  
Glenelg is the big worry, compared with first five home games last year the Tigers are down 1125 people per game or 36%. This is with the Port, Norwood and Queens Birthday games already played.


I will aim to put out a report post season to see how it all pans out.

Very interesting figures with West and Centrals home game crowds up but haven't looked who they played at home. Eagles and South figures are a long term concern . South have been competitive for a few years now and the Eagles are always up around the mark so you have to worry if they drop away . Agree Glenelg is a worry but if that doesn't surprise me unfortunately.

Interesting and well done for putting that together . Great stuff.

Interesting figures and great summary, Phil.

West's home crowds increase is very gratifying and due to different factors. Improved form and an attractive game style has helped and programming such as Anzac Eve has been effective.

The home game against Glenelg drew a disappointing crowd.

Once again, thanks for an excellent analysis.

Great work as always Phil

With this weekend's round only attracting an average of 1683, I'd imagine this season's average is now just about on-par (or behind) with last season's final figure.

South crowds since Good Friday have been 857, 1215, 1311, 1774, 1087, which is a real concern. Hopefully games to come against NWD and STU can boost the average a little, but the days of averaging 2K+ are long gone. This despite rarely losing at home in recent years.

saintal wrote:Great work as always Phil

With this weekend's round only attracting an average of 1683, I'd imagine this season's average is now just about on-par (or behind) with last season's final figure.

The average is now already below last year's average. We're at 2,276 compared to the 2017 home and away figure of 2,278.

At this time last year, the average was 2,480 (47 games). The average for the last 43 was 2,058. Taking into account the first-half side this season, we're on track to average about 2,175 by season's end.

Glenelg's five home games have all drawn lower crowds compared to their corresponding matches last year. Westies are +342 per game at home this year with five of their six matches drawing bigger crowds compared to the same match ups in 2017. Norwood's Friday night matches this year have been below average (particularly v Port) but their six-game winning streak and upcoming Friday night matches (even though it's winter) will hopefully boost the figures

saintal wrote:
South crowds since Good Friday have been 857, 1215, 1311, 1774, 1087, which is a real concern. Hopefully games to come against NWD and STU can boost the average a little, but the days of averaging 2K+ are long gone. This despite rarely losing at home in recent years.

We're actually up 19 per game this season (thanks to Good Friday). I'm a little worried about our figures though as we have North and West to come. While their crowds are trending up this year, since 2014 our home matches against North (1,290 avg) and West (1,411 avg) are the two lowest-drawing average match ups for any combination in the SANFL in that time. The Roosters and Westies are playing good footy along with us so if there's ever a time to see those recent average figures against those sides blown apart, now's the time.

Everyone has a different take on crowds and stats I suppose however a few cant be denied and 1 is a huge worry. The biggest concern is Glenelg as they have a good number of supporters generally . South in a growing area , how long does that excuse last , with recent competitiveness is a concern.As Scott points out they are relying on opposition clubs to increase. West and Woodville / West Torrens are also a concern. WWT have a great record since they merged however are again on the crowd numbers decline. West have improved (% misleading) but where to for West ? Even with the footy park sale distribution , long term some clubs will be in trouble.

How many watch games on the digital pass?

That could be an issue, nowhere near the main one but an issue nonetheless, I watched yesterday rather than going, admittedly I had been in hospital overnight but I doubt I would have gone seeing I just got the pass put on, getting the pass put on saved me $14.00 entrance fee, plus say 2 steak sandwiches & 2 drinks, roughly $20.00, include petrol & I saved over $40.00

Its a great question . However you do attend neutral games and not many at all do that . However how many do stay away watching their team if they have DP ? Same as being on TV I suppose.

I usually go to as many games over a weekend as possible, yesterday it was just too easy to stay home & watch 2 games (tv & computer) at once & the other bonus is if a game is one sided I could change to a much closer match....I’ll never miss a Glenelg match though

Update

Season Average 2,262

Averages by Ground (difference from 2017 in brackets)
3,860 (6) Unley (+944)
2,931 (6) Norwood (-331)
2,105 (6) Elizabeth (+206)
2,053 (5) Prospect (+65)
2,035 (7) Richmond (+306)
1,990 (6) Glenelg (-702)
1,944 (5) Alberton (-602)
1,823 (6) Woodville (-266)
1,565 (6) Noarlunga (+19)

Averages by Team (combined Home & Away)
3,437 Sturt
2,694 Port
2,628 Norwood
2,321 North
2,156 Glenelg
2,070 Centrals
1,928 Eagles
1,854 West
1,835 South
1,834 Adelaide

Average Crowd Team Differences (combined Home & Away) compared to 2017
+638 Sturt
+257 North
+202 Port
+47 Centrals
+45 South
-12 West
-265 Norwood
-276 Glenelg
-325 Eagles
-339 Adelaide


TO COME: MATCH-UPS THAT AVERAGE 3,000+ AT THAT VENUE (averages shown are based on last 5 years)

Eagles v Adelaide (Round 17; avg 4,357; Sun arvo; tba coverage) *carnival day; average figure only includes carnival matches.

Norwood v North (Round 18; avg 4,612; Fri night; no radio coverage)* figure inflated by 10k to ANZAC Day some years back

Sturt v Norwood (Round 14; avg 3,984; Sat arvo; Channel 7 coverage)

Port v Norwood (Round 12B; avg 3,948; Sun arvo; LifeFM coverage)

Glenelg v Sturt (Round 19; avg 3,934; tba timeslot; tba coverage) *likely to be a dead-rubber played on Saturday afternoon; expect far less

Glenelg v Adelaide (Round 18; avg 3,330; Sat arvo; tba coverage) *figure only boosted by 9k match in 2014; figure likely to be less than half

Norwood v West (Round 15; avg 3,035; Fri night; tba coverage) *night game in the middle of winter will be a concern

Of the 37 matches left, only the above seven average over 3,000 in the last five years, and expect both Glenelg home games to sadly attract well under 3,000.

In addition to these:

TO COME: MATCH-UPS THAT AVERAGE UNDER 1,800 AT THAT VENUE (averages shown are based on last 5 years)

1,766 West v Port
1,746 South v Norwood
1,655 West v Adelaide
1,639 Eagles v South
1,623 West v Centrals
1,411 South v West
1,290 South v North

What does this all mean?

I'm only going to compare these figures from 1997 onwards as it is the only fair comparison.

2,262 as the season average is now lower than last year's average figure of 2,278, making the current average the lowest ever.

1,990 is Glenelg's home ground average - currently the lowest since at least 1997*.

2,931 is Norwood's home ground average - currently the lowest since at least 1997*.

1,823 is the Eagles home ground average - currently the lowest since at least 1997.

2,035 is West's home ground average - their highest home average since 2013 (2,323).

3,860 is Unley's home ground average - their highest home average at Unley since 1999 (4,013)!



* likely to be an all-time record if these figures don't improve.

I wonder if Glenelg's supporters have finally said enough is enough and after years of following a non-competitive team they have lost interest and don't attend any more.

We are heading down the Sheffield Shield cricket route & the league will have killed itself as they appear to have over the last decade or so

scott wrote:What does this all mean?

3,860 is Unley's home ground average - their highest home average at Unley since 1999 (4,013)!

Was 1999 the first season Sturt were back at Unley full time? I recall bigger crowds attending at least the first few games back there.

Chambo Off To Work We Go wrote:

scott wrote:What does this all mean?

3,860 is Unley's home ground average - their highest home average at Unley since 1999 (4,013)!

Was 1999 the first season Sturt were back at Unley full time? I recall bigger crowds attending at least the first few games back there.

1998 was - 4 games for the season.

Round 3 v South - 5,296
Round 5 v Eagles - 4,867
Round 16 v West - 5,256
Round 18 v Glenelg - 4,092

Any figures from this weekend? None listed in today's paper.

saintal wrote:Any figures from this weekend? None listed in today's paper.

From the Sunday Mail

Peter Motley 3759
City Mazda 1760
Prospect 2194
Gliderol 1870

Thanks Thiele.

If I was SANFL I would be sending out something this week highlighting current crowd figures.

Over last 6 rounds the league has seen an increase of 10,077 over same 6 rounds last year.

So after falling behind at half way mark they are now ahead of last year by 2268 or 28pg or 1.27% up.   (Were about 6.40% down end of Rd 11)

However I am not sure league will still finish in front by years end.

Last year the final 10 games averaged 2,558 partially due to timing of some big games, partially due to 8 teams being in finals contention going into last game.  

SANFL will need to average 2333 to be up on last year, the Norwood v North crowd Friday night needs to be a big one.

FYI Home Crowd rankings as at end of Rd 17
1) Sturt      3,672pg   (up 770 26.5% pg)
2) Norwood 2,832pg     (down 304 9.7% pg)
3) Eagles    2,259pg   (up 170 8.1% pg)
4) North     2,081pg   (up 89  4.5% pg)
5) Central   2,006pg   (up 107 5.7% pg)
6) Port       1,995pg       (down 551  21.6% pg)
7) Glenelg  1,953pg       (down 615  24.0% pg)
West      1,901pg    (up 167 9.6% pg)
9) South     1,568pg        (down 58 -3.6% pg)  


ALL GAMES CROWD AVERAGES (As at end of Rd 17)
1) Sturt          3,187pg   (up 388 13.8%pg)
2) Norwood    2,654pg      (down 168 6.0%pg)
3) Port           2,393pg      (down 102 4.1%pg)
4) Eagles       2,258pg    (up 4  0.2% pg)
5) Adelaide    2,238pg    (up 66 3.0% pg)
6) North        2,204pg    (up 137 66% pg)
7) Central      2,039pg    (up 16  0.8% pg)
Glenelg      2,015pg       (down 420 17.2% pg)
9) West         1,817pg        (down 51 2.8% pg)
10) South      1,777pg    (up 46  2.7%)

It would be helpful if Norwood stopped playing Friday nights in the middle of winter as they have this year for some strange reason.

Great to see the Eagles crowds up this year .

How did this end up Phil? Seems to be a minor (ie 1%) dip from last season?

Season average 2,253 (-25 per match on last year).

However, six of the nine venues saw increases on last year.

VENUES UP (figures per match)
+659 Unley (avg 3,575)
+151 Richmond (avg 1,880)
+105 Prospect (avg 2,093)
+98 Elizabeth (avg 1,998)
+86 Woodville (avg 2,176)
+59 Noarlunga (avg 1,604)

VENUES DOWN (figures per match)
-316 Alberton (avg 1,934)
-365 Norwood (avg 2,897)
-606 Glenelg (avg 2,086)*

Until yesterday's big crowd, it was down over 750.