by PhilH » Sat Aug 15, 2015 1:19 pm
Meanwhile in the WAFL
From the West Australian
Blockbuster matches and heavy promotions have boosted crowds at East Fremantle and West Perth home games as WAFL attendances have risen slightly this season.
The Sharks are languishing in second bottom after nine straight losses but they have drawn two of the three biggest crowds of the season to underline their deep roots in the WA football community.
And West Perth, despite their absence from television screens as part of Channel 7’s blackout of the club, have been a consistent drawcard at their fortress at HBF Arena where they have not lost a game this year.
Channel 7 is owned by Seven West Media, which also publishesThe West Australian.
The Falcons drew the biggest crowd of the season to their international round game in June when 7849 people watched them beat top team Subiaco.
They are averaging crowds of 2717 at HBF Arena this season, about a quarter higher than the league average, and nearly 300 more than East Fremantle.
A total of 7209 fans packed ATOM Stadium for the traditional WA Day derby match in June when East Fremantle, who were third at the time, and their fifth-placed rivals South Fremantle played out a thriller.
And East Fremantle were also credited with a home crowd of 5200 at Domain Stadium in March when the season started with a night game that marked the return of Channel 7 as the WAFL broadcaster after an absence of nearly 30 years.
East Fremantle’s home-crowd average would rise to 2775 — the highest in the league — if the game on neutral turf at Subiaco was included. That season opener and West Perth’s international round game were the subjects of heavy club and television advertising which were rewarded with the strong attendances.
Five of the nine clubs have seen their home attendances rise this season while Subiaco and Swan Districts could also finish higher than last season’s returns.
Swans are averaging crowds of 2183, three lower than last season, and their two remaining home games are set to determine whether they play finals.
Subiaco are down 14 spectators on last year’s figures.
Peel’s home crowds have grown slightly this year, probably due to the Thunder’s newfound competitiveness which has them on the verge of their maiden finals campaign.
Claremont are also on track to play finals but crowds at their temporary home at the Showground, where they are likely to be based for another two years, have fallen significantly this year as fans have voted with their feet on the club’s lack of a permanent base.[/i]
