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AFL gets ready to act on falling crowds

With falling Melbourne-based AFL attendances, the league seems set to prepare more fan-friendly 2015 fixtures.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan at a press conference.
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has moved to firm up plans to get fans back to the football. (AAP)

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has moved to firm up league plans to get fans back to the football.

Attendances have slipped noticeably at Melbourne-based games this year, offset by a rise in interstate matches.

McLachlan told ABC radio on Friday morning there were three themes to his work in the area; the fixture, accessibility and the match-day experience.

Improving the fixture means doing away with less appealing timeslots such as Sunday night and twilight games, and ensuring any split rounds can still capture fans' attention each weekend.

The high costs of attending AFL matches - both for tickets and food and drink - fall under the "accessibility" banner.

And McLachlan also foreshadowed changes to the match-day experience, taking the lead from overseas leagues.

That could mean giving home clubs more ownership of matches to create a more parochial atmosphere.

Adelaide and Port Adelaide are seen as league leaders on this front after the much-vaunted move to the Adelaide Oval this year.

The new AFL supremo reiterated the message that all arms of the competition needed to be involved to improve attendances.

"Not only will we be dealing with fans but we'll be working with our clubs and venues to do it," McLachlan said.

"I think it's all good news.

"Sometimes negativity can be a bit contagious but it's all good because it hopefully shows we're clear about what we think the issues are and we're addressing them."

McLachlan recognised public distaste for betting advertisements at AFL venues, suggesting those could also be curtailed.

"Everyone will have their little pet hate, whether it's advertising clutter. The Bet365 one is a particular dislike for a lot of people at MCG games," he said.

"It's our job to look through that."

Collingwood boss Eddie McGuire, whose club has suffered falling attendances, has called on the league to make 2015 "the year of the fan".


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