Correct. Great recent example of this being the event Essendon V Brisbane fixture. It drew over 48,000 at the G with the additional AFL / MCC members. This would’ve drawn around 42,000 to Marvel. In addition to AFL / MCC members perceived accessibility also impacts the casual walk up to Marvel.People forget that the MCG has tens of thousands of MCC and AFL members that dont support either team so a 55 - 60,000 crowd with maybe 10,000- 15,000 of these members at the G is no better than 45,000 at Marvel.
I think you will also find a 45k crowd at Marvel is much better financially for Essendon and the AFL and has a way better atmosphere.
I know of many Essendon fans who won’t go to Marvel. They basically just go to the MCG games where it’s much more accessible and these additional membership sections can simply rock up. Last night would’ve drawn some neutrals interested in a an old fashioned grudge match.
It is what it is. Essendon are financially better off however it’s a pity Essendon don’t play these games at the G. Games against the Saints and Hawks would’ve drawn between 55K (Saints) and 60K (Hawks) this year which puts a real dent in Essendon’s home match attendances for the year.
Though unlikely, wins over the next two weeks set up a potential 50K+ crowd at the G V Swans. Conversely a loss to the eagles next week could result in a shocking crowd on a Thursday night at Marvel against Giants where we now know this slot impacts the attendance by 10-15%.