AFL Round 1 shatters attendance record with 431,505 fans

AFL fans turned out in record-breaking numbers for Round 1 of the 2025 AFL Premiership season, smashing attendance records with an unprecedented 431,505 supporters flocking to stadiums across the country.

For just the fifth time in history, an AFL round attracted more than 400,000 fans, with an average attendance of 47,945 per game.

The blockbuster season-opener between Carlton and Richmond drew over 80,000 fans for the third consecutive year, continuing its tradition as one of the league’s best-attended fixtures.

History was also made when 80,735 fans packed into the MCG to witness Hawthorn’s win over Essendon, marking the largest home-and-away crowd between the two clubs.

Meanwhile, the highly anticipated grand final rematch between Sydney and Brisbane drew 34,906 fans, the largest crowd for this matchup in nearly two decades.

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon expressed his gratitude to fans, clubs, and stakeholders for creating an unforgettable opening round.

“Round One is always a special moment on the AFL calendar, and to see record-breaking crowds in stadiums across the country is a testament to the passion and dedication of our fans,” he said.

The historic turnout eclipses the previous record of 413,405 set in 2024, and anticipation is already building for the rest of the season as fans continue to show their love for the game in record numbers.

The AFL now turns to Round 2 as Carlton host Hawthorn at the MCG on Thursday night, with the Blues paying $2.96 with BetOnline after their disappointing outing against Richmond in Round 1.

That loss ranks among the largest upsets in AFL history by betting odds, with top online bookmakers paying as much as $10.50 pre-game for the Tigers to beat the Blues.

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