AFLW round four: Few knew there was a double-header on. That’s a real problem
AFLW journalist Hannah Kennelly argues that poor promotion and lack of event atmosphere led to low attendance at a recent double-header in Melbourne. She suggests that the league needs to better engage fans to ensure the women's game thrives alongside the men's finals season.
Why it matters
Highlights the ongoing challenges in growing the commercial and cultural footprint of women's professional sports.
Pinned post from yesterday 6.31pm Go to latest Most fans had no idea there was an AFLW double-header on today. That’s a real problem By Hannah Kennelly Sunday at Ikon Park showcased an action-packed day of footy with a double-header that saw Fremantle triumph over Richmond, and Carlton continue their winning streak with a resounding victory over Collingwood.
It’s a shame more people weren’t there to see it.
Blues and Pies during Sunday’s double-header. Getty Images A crowd of 1931 fans showed up to watch the Richmond game at 12.30 at Ikon Park for the second week of Indigenous Round. The Carlton versus Collingwood clash at 3pm had an attendance of 3892 (an accumulative figure that counts fans who came for the first game, but might not have stayed for the second).
This is obviously a nuanced conversation.
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