Footy fans have reacted with anger over a series of Melbourne fan-day events across regional Victoria.
The eight events are being organised outside the Melbourne Football Club’s control by event company, DAPS Entertainment.
While the Demons are set to hold a free premiership party at the MCG on December 5, rural-based fans are being asked to fork out $149 for a ticket or $499 for a family pass.
Photo opportunities with players and a replica premiership cup are being promoted across the events, which are a combination of stage shows and breakfast, lunch and dinner functions.
Several hundred fans have taken to Facebook to express their shock at the asking price for the Warrnambool event on November 21, with one declaring it “absolutely disgusting”.
Another wrote: “Bloody hell ... for that price, they'd better be mowing the lawns, washing your car and grooming your dog”.
But DAPS Entertainment’s Dougal Austin defended the cost, insisting the events were “full-on shows, not basic meet and greets”.
The likes of Christian Petracca and coach Simon Goodwin will be involved in some of the events, which Austin said would last five hours.
“We have made ticket prices as reasonable as we can to make it viable for all parties involved,” Austin said.
“I’ve got large overheads. I book all the players though their agents, not the club. I’ve got to hire the venue and the venues aren’t cheap. There’s tech crews, memorabilia and it all adds up.
“I will not run these events at a loss. I’m not in the events business to lose money. I’ve got to cover my costs and hopefully make something in return from it.
“I’m a mad Melbourne fan, I’m putting on these events to give fellow diehard demons fans the opportunity to come and hang out with their players.”
Austin added there would also be prize giveaways at the events, which will be held in Horsham, Warragul, Ballarat, Gisborne, Drysdale, Warrnambool, Ringwood and Rochford Winery next month.
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