Geelong has a record number of AFLW members after its most successful season to date, putting it first in the League in terms of membership base size.
The 2023 Season saw a total of 7,190 members join the Cats’ journey, a 21.1 percent increase over the previous Club record set in 2022 Season 7.
It saw the Cats rise to first in the overall League rankings, up from third last year, when they were ranked first in Victoria, as well as first in the league for fan engagement.
Geelong Cats CEO nSteve Hockig thanked Cats members for their continued support in 2023.
“As our AFLW program has enjoyed another significant year in its development, building an exciting and sustainable brand of football, it is fantastic to see an increasing number of fans supporting our team as members,” Hocking went on to say.
“To rank first in the League for membership is a testament to the incredible support and passion that Cats fans have shown us.”
“There is something incredibly special about the Club’s membership base, and their faith and support of our AFLW team is felt on the field and in the halls of GMHBA Stadium, creating an undeniably Geelong atmosphere.”
“On behalf of the entire Club, I would like to extend our sincerest thank you to our members for their incredible support.”
More broadly, women’s football in the Geelong region has had another strong year of growth, with a significant increase in average crowds at the Cats’ home games at GMHBA Stadium, as well as an increase in female participation in the AFL Barwon region.
Female participation increased by 6% year on year in 2023, bringing the total increase since 2019 – the year Geelong joined the AFLW – to 44%.
According to AFL Barwon Regional Manager Edward Wilson, the organization collaborated with Geelong Football Club to be innovative and initiative-driven in order to increase female participation in the region.
“When AFLW kicked-off, this started an incredible rise in female football within our region,” Wilson told reporters.
“The exponential growth seen prior to COVID has slowed, but we are still growing at a significant rate.”
“We launched our under 9 Girls competition in 2023, with an internal goal of 4-6 teams.” We had 15 teams, which was a very pleasing result, thanks to our strategic partnership with the Cats and extensive planning.”
Memberships for the Geelong Cats 2024 season are now on sale. To renew or sign up, visit membership.geelongcats.com.au today.
Leave a Reply