If economists were making market forecasts for this AFL season, they would note that the round one MCG crowds, which contribute heavily to the club and league coffers, were “soft” and that they cannot expect the kind of records and bonanzas of the recent past given the underlying conditions of certain clubs.
Essendon v Hawthorn was as hyped as any clash between the foes for two decades, on the back of Zach Merrett’s failed escape to the hated Hawks. The Bombers expected 80,000 to show up. The turnout was a subdued 71,384, and a sizeable portion of them were at Richmond or Jolimont stations – or scurrying away to find refuge in a Richmond pub – while “We’re a happy team at Hawthorn” blared around the MCG.
Carlton v Richmond held less box office promise, but it had drawn 80,000 last year when the Tigers put Carlton’s season into instant turbulence. This game, no longer holding the prime slot of the season opener, drew 74,313.
Collingwood v Adelaide attracted 62,482, an excellent crowd for a Melbourne club against a non-Victorian. But it was slightly down on what the Magpies pulled for matches against the Crows in both 2024 and 2025 (67,697).
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