Ranking every AFL stadium

The AFL is the country's greatest game and needs the biggest and best stadiums - but where do they all individually rank? We've ranked how every stadium stacks up, from the seating, food, transport, architecture, atmosphere and overall aesthetics. Where does your favourite ground rank? TIO Stadium A scarcely used AFL venue, Darwin's TIO Stadium doesn't boast much. A pretty honest set-up, the ground doesn't allow too many fans in. It also doesn't broadcast great on TV and the dew that sets in on the ground in the heat makes the footy hard to watch at times. [caption id="attachment_35983" align="alignnone" width="1024"] DARWIN, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 01: A general view during the round 11 AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the Adelaide Crows at TIO Stadium on June 01, 2019 in Darwin, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)[/caption] Mars Stadium The Western Bulldogs have taken one home game a year to Ballarat over the past few seasons and are pretty hard to beat at Mars. Watching football there isn't ideal - it's almost always cold in Ballarat, the wind is wild, making the game usually bias to one end of the ground. Travelling so far from Western Melbourne is also less then ideal for Dogs fans. [caption id="attachment_17119" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 19: A view from the new grandstand is seen during the round 22 AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Port Adelaide Power at Mars Stadium on August 19, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)[/caption] University of Tasmania Stadium The Roof isn't high enough! It is incredibly unsatisfying watching balls continuously be kicked over the roof in Launceston, the camera is on the wrong side of the ground, the near side is far more picturesque than the far side. It's a big ground though, perhaps too big. [caption id="attachment_9927" align="alignnone" width="1024"] LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 17: Cameron Guthrie of the Cats in action during the AFL 2017 JLT Community Series match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Geelong Cats at the University of Tasmania Stadium on February 17, 2017 in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] TIO Traeger Park The Melbourne Football Club have been the most recent visitors to Alice Springs. Not the prettiest ground, but one thing is for sure - the crowd come for the show. 10,000 people can and usually do cram in which is a great look and it has a nice authentic feel, just lacks finesse and polish. [caption id="attachment_20410" align="alignnone" width="1024"] ALICE SPRINGS, AUSTRALIA - MAY 27: Clayton Oliver of the Demons is chased by Wayne Milera of the Crows during the 2018 AFL round 10 match between the Melbourne Demons and the Adelaide Crows at TIO Traeger Park on May 27, 2018 in Alice Springs, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] UNSW Canberra Oval Another stadium where it may pay to be on the outside of at times, with balls flying over constantly. Canberra is less than ideal in winter too, with games being played in just about sub-zero temperatures. Heck, there was bloody snow there last year! (although that was pretty cool. The lights have been an okay addition. [caption id="attachment_40785" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Image: austadiums.com[/caption] Blundstone Arena There is far, far too many games at this stadium that become dominated by the wind. Games that become played in one half or at times in one quarter of the ground, making it hard to watch at times. Can host night games with the lights which helps. [caption id="attachment_5270" align="alignnone" width="594"] HOBART, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 03: A general view of the first night match in Hobart during the 2016 AFL Round 11 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Richmond Tigers at Blundstone Arena on June 3, 2016 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] GMHBA Stadium If you ask Geelong supporters, Chris Scott or anyone working for Geelong Football Club, they will tell you how good GMHBA Stadium is. Well, they're either extremely biased or blind. Another stadium that is greatly affected by wind due to the gaping hole in the forward pocket opposite the premiership stand. The new stands look lovely and the ability to host night games has grown the ground. But it's still sub-par compared to its counterparts. [caption id="attachment_17545" align="alignnone" width="1024"] GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 01: Gary Ablett unveils his new number during a Geelong Cats Media Session at GMHBA Stadium on December 1, 2017 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)[/caption] GABBA A ground that needs some work as it has been a while between drinks since the iconic Brisbane venue had updgrades done to it. The tri-coloured chairs help the optics when the crowd aren't there but they are a tad tacky and could use refurbishment. Transport to the ground is easy enough but the facilities are ancient and ground level seating is not what it's cracked up to be. [caption id="attachment_40786" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Image: thegabba.com.au[/caption] Marvel Stadium It's not great is it? The turf has been a focus of many criticisms for years due to its shifting nature. If the roof is open and the suns out it's a nightmare to be on the far side of the ground - at times you can't see a thing. The transport is good and location in the centre of Melbourne's CBD is ideal. [caption id="attachment_39472" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Image: austadiums.com[/caption] Metricon Stadium New, modern and in a very good location. Far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Cavill Avenue to escape but close enough to enjoy your inter-state trip (because no-one at the ground goes for the Suns). But all jokes aside, it is a beautiful spot for football. TV doesn't do it justice. [caption id="attachment_24401" align="alignnone" width="1024"] GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND - AUGUST 18: The two teams scuffle during the first quarter during the round 22 AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and Brisbane Lions at Metricon Stadium on August 18, 2018 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Jason O'Brien/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] SCG Iconic and grand, the Sydney Cricket Ground is a truly iconic stadium and stands up against any in the world. The new look Paddington end gives the members access to elite facilities. Transport to the ground isn't ideal, but what do you expect in Sydney? [caption id="attachment_6912" align="alignnone" width="594"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 28: A general view of play during the round 18 AFL match between the Sydney Swans and the Richmond Tigers at SCG on July 28, 2013 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)[/caption] GIANTS Stadium Another new and modern stadium, made with the modern mantra of "not a bad seat in the house". While there are plenty of spare seats, they all hold an excellent view. The 2016 preliminary final showed what could be, an incredible atmosphere and beautiful optics for the television audience. [caption id="attachment_40787" align="alignnone" width="760"] Image: ausleisure.com.au[/caption] Adelaide Oval Another of not just the country's best stadiums but the world's best! The scoreboard is iconic and provides a great vantage point for punters to take in the footy. The atmosphere is incredible when rocking, transport and facilities are elite. Massive tick. [caption id="attachment_33127" align="alignnone" width="1024"] ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 27: A general view of play showing the shot clock during the round one AFL match between the Port Adelaide Power and the St Kilda Saints at Adelaide Oval on March 27, 2016 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)[/caption] Optus Stadium A gorgeous stadium inside and out, not a bad seat in the house and a great spectacle. Atmosphere is great and transport is a breeze. Located right near Crown Towers and Crown Casino, it lends itself to a tremendous occasion right along the Swan River. However, one knock - food is awful... absolutely awful. MCG Were you really expecting anything else? The best stadium in the country bar none, biggest capacity and with the recent works it has remained an elite venue. The atmosphere at the home of football is unbelievable and the optics are breathtaking both live and on TV. The food has improved and the facilities hold up. The transport and location are perfect for fans, with trains and the famous Swan Street a stone's throw away. Sorry non-Victorians, the MCG is simply THE best and will host the grand final for a long, long time to come.

Ranking every AFL stadium

We’ve ranked every AFL stadium from best to worst 👇🏟

2. Optus Stadium

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		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	ADEL	20	15	5	60	144.1
2	COLL	20	15	5	60	134.1
3	BL	20	14	5	58	111.2
4	GEEL	19	13	6	52	134.2
5	GC	19	13	6	52	125.1
6	HAW	20	13	7	52	117.6
7	FRE	19	13	6	52	111.7
8	GWS	20	13	7	52	111.3