Desperate football fans from Brisbane are resorting to charter flights and road trips in their quest to attend the upcoming AFL and NRL grand finals. This surge in demand has resulted in increased airfare and accommodation prices in the southern states. With the Brisbane Lions facing Collingwood in the AFL final and the Brisbane Broncos taking on the Penrith Panthers in the NRL decider, flights from Brisbane to Sydney have reached over $750 for a return trip, while a trip to Melbourne costs over $650. Accommodation around Accor Stadium in Sydney and various hotels in Melbourne has been sold out or raised prices significantly.
Despite the high costs, dedicated Lions supporter Ashley Lamb, who has been attending every Lions game in Melbourne for the past decade, revealed that many fans had taken precautions by making cancellable bookings in advance to avoid increased prices. Additionally, some supporters are considering driving to the games, although it would be a lengthy journey. Thousands of Lions fans are expected to travel to Melbourne, although the exact number remains uncertain. The Lions have a membership record of almost 55,000 this year and have been allocated 17,000 tickets for the grand final. However, it is not uncommon for clubs from interstate to struggle to fill their quota due to travel challenges. The president of the AFL Fans Association mentioned that in the previous grand final between Richmond and Adelaide, Adelaide did not use their full allocation of 17,000 tickets.
In contrast, the NRL’s Brisbane Broncos, the league’s largest club with over 40,000 members, will likely have a larger representation in the crowd compared to the Lions supporters at the 100,000-capacity MCG. Penrith attracted less than 36,000 fans to the 85,000-capacity Accor Stadium for their preliminary final, highlighting the difference in demand between the two codes. Collingwood, the Lions’ opponent in the AFL grand final, has over 106,000 members, making demand for tickets higher and potentially skewing the crowd in their favor.
The Victorian sport minister expressed pride in welcoming the thousands of Lions fans to Melbourne, highlighting the boost to the local economy as hotels, businesses, and shopping districts experience increased activity. Last year’s grand final between Sydney and Geelong resulted in a peak in Melbourne hotel occupancy rates, with 86% of rooms booked. Recognizing the demand, the Brisbane Broncos have organized a charter flight package that includes travel, tickets, and accommodations for just under $2,000.
While many Lions fans will require hotel rooms, there is a significant contingent of Melbourne-based Lions supporters, who developed their allegiance during the glory years of the Fitzroy Lions in the VFL. These fans, along with Brisbane expats, will contribute to the Lions’ supporter base in Melbourne. Lamb will meet with the official local supporter group, the Lionhearts, before the game. He also mentioned his excitement about his nine-year-old nephew attending his first grand final. Lamb admitted to being too nervous to engage in pre-match conversation and warned that he might become unbearable for those around him.
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