AFL (Australian Football League) membership provides fans with access to tickets, exclusive member benefits, and VIP experiences for their favorite AFL clubs. The cost of an AFL membership varies depending on the club and type of membership purchased.
Types of AFL Memberships
There are several common types of AFL memberships:
- General admission membership – Provides reserved seating tickets and basic member benefits
- Premium/Reserved seating – Access to premium reserved seats for all home games
- Club/Supporter membership – Entry-level membership with limited benefits
- Interstate membership – For fans living outside the club’s home state
- International membership – For overseas fans
AFL memberships are offered annually, with prices valid for one season. Members can purchase different types of packages based on the number of matches they want to attend and their preferred seating options.
AFL Membership Prices by Club
Here is an overview of standard adult membership prices for the 18 AFL clubs in 2023:
Club | Lowest Price | Highest Price |
---|---|---|
Adelaide Crows | $79 | $899 |
Brisbane Lions | $55 | $740 |
Carlton | $85 | $925 |
Collingwood | $75 | $1550 |
Essendon | $75 | $675 |
Fremantle | $85 | $899 |
Geelong Cats | $85 | $615 |
Gold Coast Suns | $85 | $360 |
GWS Giants | $65 | $350 |
Hawthorn | $85 | $615 |
Melbourne | $85 | $920 |
North Melbourne | $70 | $615 |
Port Adelaide | $90 | $945 |
Richmond | $85 | $920 |
St Kilda | $75 | $615 |
Sydney Swans | $90 | $650 |
West Coast Eagles | $89 | $899 |
Western Bulldogs | $75 | $615 |
As shown, Collingwood charges the highest maximum price for premium membership at $1550 for 2023. The lowest minimum is the GWS Giants entry-level membership at $65.
Club Analysis
The most expensive clubs for membership tend to be the traditional big Melbourne clubs – Collingwood, Carlton, Essendon, Melbourne, Richmond and Hawthorn. These clubs have large fan bases and demand for memberships is high.
Interstate and expansion clubs generally have cheaper pricing structures to attract new fans. For instance, Gold Coast has a maximum price of just $360 for 2023. The Giants and Suns offer AFL’s cheapest memberships.
Membership Perks
Depending on membership type, common benefits can include:
- Guaranteed match tickets
- Voting rights at club elections
- Discounts on club merchandise
- Priority access to finals tickets
- Invitations to exclusive club events
- Free club merchandise and gifts
Higher-priced premium packages offer added benefits like special parking, premium hospitality, player meet-and-greets, and more.
Concession Memberships
AFL clubs provide discounted membership pricing for concession holders including:
- Students
- Children
- Seniors
Concession memberships generally offer similar benefits to full-priced memberships. Prices are reduced based on the concession status.
For example, a standard Melbourne AFL membership is $85 for an adult. The concession price for students and seniors is $65 – a saving of $20.
Junior Memberships
All AFL clubs have junior membership categories for kids under 15 years old. This allows children to join as official members.
Junior membership prices typically range from $25-$50 depending on club. Exact age cut-offs vary between clubs but are generally 12 years or younger.
Benefits tailored for juniors can include player posters, birthday cards, activity packs, and opportunities to be match day mascots.
Family Memberships
Family membership packages are available at reduced rates. This allows families (two adults and two children) to purchase memberships as a bundle.
The Melbourne Football Club charges $315 for a family membership pack, compared to $340 if purchased separately. This represents a saving of $25.
Family memberships provide a great way for the whole household to enjoy AFL action and benefits together.
Interstate and International Members
Supporters living outside their club’s home state can purchase interstate memberships. These provide similar benefits to standard memberships.
Prices for interstate members are generally 10-15% cheaper than local state packages. This recognises that interstate fans won’t attend as many matches.
For overseas-based fans, international memberships are available from AFL clubs. These provide access to some member benefits along with club merchandise delivery.
Membership Scarcity and Waiting Lists
Due to huge demand, some club’s memberships sell out quickly. Collingwood is notorious for having long waiting lists each season.
To have the best chance at securing a membership, fans should purchase early before sell-out. Pre-registering interest the season before can help obtain priority access.
Loyalty programs also give existing members first option to renew their membership annually.
Conclusion
AFL membership provides diehard fans with great benefits and match access. Prices range widely based on club and membership type, generally $75-$900 for standard adult packages.
Concession discounts are available for students, seniors and juniors. Families can also purchase bundled packages.
Fans should buy early to avoid missing out. Checking club websites for early bird specials can also save money on memberships.