Soaring petrol and diesel prices threaten to reduce attendance at AFL matches, but the league has firmly rejected rumors of reverting to Covid-era player hubs in a single capital city amid the ongoing fuel shortage linked to Middle East tensions.
Fuel Prices Surge Past $3 Per Litre
Diesel costs have exceeded $3 per litre in several regions, prompting concerns among fans about travel to games. AFL officials confirm no discussions on hubs at the executive level, focusing instead on support measures for supporters.
Potential Fuel Discounts Starting Gather Round
The league explores options to assist fans, including fuel discounts tied to memberships, carpool incentives, and bus services, potentially rolling out as early as the South Australia Gather Round event from April 9-12.
Footy journalist Mitch Cleary, speaking on Channel Seven’s The Agenda Setters, stated: “They are adamant they are not discussing hubs; it has not been discussed at any executive level. But what they are looking at is ways they can subsidise and help fans get to and from games as early as Gather Round. Everything’s on the table when it comes to memberships coming with fuel discounts, or ways they can help fans with carpools and buses.”
Cleary added that the AFL collaborates with clubs on these initiatives rather than hub arrangements.
Memories of Covid Hubs
The idea of hubs evokes challenging times from the Covid pandemic, when teams, including those from Western Australia and South Australia, relocated to Queensland for extended periods in 2020.
Fan Concerns Mount
AFL Fans Association president Ron Issko warns that high fuel prices may lead to lower turnout at Gather Round. “There could be a few less [fans] than last year,” Issko noted. “I’m wondering whether or not, as we get closer, and if the fuel prices continue to go up, some will bail.”
Prime Minister’s National Address
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the nation on Wednesday, acknowledging economic pressures from global conflicts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. “The months ahead may not be easy. I want to be upfront about that,” Albanese said. “No government can promise to eliminate the pressures that this war is causing. I can promise we will do everything we can to protect Australia from the worst of it.”
He urged calm, discouraging fuel stockpiling, and emphasized unity: “These are uncertain times but I am absolutely certain of this: we will deal with these global challenges, the Australian way—working together and looking after each other.”
