AFL journalist Caroline Wilson has voiced concern over crowd numbers in 2022 after low figures were reported at the top-four clash between reigning premiers Melbourne and Fremantle on Saturday.
The anticipated match-up between the two sides attracted a crowd of 29,812, below the already low pre-Round 11 season average of 30,517, despite the Demons being on a 17-match winning streak before the shock loss.
Speaking on The Age's Real Footy Podcast,ย Wilson recognised that the Saturday afternoon twilight time slot is an unpopular one, but said she had anticipated a bigger crowd at the 'G.
"It is a concern to me that the premiership team on a run like they're on couldn't get 30,000 (people) to the MCG," Wilson said.
"I know it was Fremantle, but they're a good side and this was a big-ticket game - 29,000 is pretty disappointing.
"Saturday twilight is not a popular time slot I know, but would've thought the Melbourne supporters would've turned up in better numbers than that."
The official attendance for today's match is 29,812 #AFLDeesFreo
— Melbourne Cricket Ground (@MCG) May 28, 2022
Overall crowd numbers so far in 2022 have been of concern to the AFL and supporters alike, with fans voicing their concerns about issues such as the prevalence of COVID and the flu, digital tickets and memberships, and umpiring changes in regards to their absences.
Melbourne is set for another clash at the MCG on Saturday night at 7:25 pm AEST, as they look to overcome their first loss since Round 19 last season, against the seventh-placed Swans.
