The AFL is fearing an all-time low Marvel Stadium crowd will turn up for North Melbourne's clash against GWS on Sunday.
Melbourne and GWS currently hold the unwanted record, attracting a crowd of just 8,974 at what was then known as Etihad Stadium in Round 23, 2015 — the lowest attendance at the Docklands venue in its 22-year history.
North Melbourne (23,147) and GWS (18,177) are currently ranked 16th and 17th respectively for average attendance this year.
The last time the 'Roos played in front of their home crowd, only 13,422 turned up against reigning premiers Melbourne.
SEN Chief Sports Reporter Sam Edmund said there is a “real fear” at AFL House that an all-time low Marvel Stadium crowd will be posted on Sunday.
“There is a real fear, this home game against GWS on Sunday afternoon could be less than 10,000 (people),” Edmund said on SEN’s Dwayne’s World.
“That is a worry, Sunday, 3.20pm at Marvel Stadium against the Giants.
“They had 5,000 against Port in Hobart, 13,000 in that home game against Melbourne at Marvel, 14,000 for West Coast at Marvel as well and that was way back in round 2 before they really went down that slippery slope.”
Crowd numbers have been of concern this season, with many fans citing several issues for the underwhelming numbers such as the transition to digital tickets and the continued prevalence of COVID and flu in the community.