Just checked - that 1999 match between South and Centrals had 950 in attendance.
Almost every crowd figure under 1100 in the 2000s and beyond have been at Noarlunga.
Unfortunately, Channel 7 made it quite an easy decision for a lot of Magpies/Power supporters.
If nothing has grabbed the SANFL's attention regarding the deteriorating crowds, hopefully this will.
I understand the SANFL is determined to have matches shown on Channel 7's main channel, but this type of scheduling isn't good. If this match had been played tomorrow and been on TV (and Glenelg-Sturt played today at the Bay), then you're looking at at least 1,200-1,300 straight away. That's not great, but there's something symbolic about a three-figure crowd number.
You make a good point and it could be any side that had a low turn-out. The scheduling of a game just before a Port Power direct telecast has hurt South badly. With Channel 7 giving a direct telecast of the SANFL was always going to be bad. Probably good for ratings although most PA supporters would have turned it off with South belting them. Did the SANFL program the Port Reserves and Adelaide Crows byes to coincide with the AFL sides byes. Convenient.
The SANFL needs to become its own master and do what is best for its own clubs.
The Eagles should rightly feel very, very aggrieved to have a bye on the one week where there are no AFL games in Adelaide, and particularly when the Crows have the bye. Why were the Power Reserves playing this week and not the Eagles?