The NRL final outrated AFL, but the latter has more fans according to Deloitte (screenshot of Reece Walsh about to score) The NRL Grand Final has pulled larger TV audiences than the AFL Final for the first time in a decade — with Sunday’s match-up between the Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm attracting over 6.4 million viewers in total.
Ah, the grand finals of our beloved Australian sports – a time when every couch potato and sports fanatic alike gathers around their screens, clutching snacks and engaging in fierce debates about which code reigns supreme. This year, the AFL has donned its crown, boasting a viewership that outshined the NRL by a staggering 230,000 viewers. Yes, you read that right! In the battle of the codes, the AFL has taken a victory lap, and it’s hard not to hear the echoes of their victory cheers all the way from the MCG.
The AFL grand final, a spectacle that draws in fans like moths to a flame, saw an impressive average audience of 4.29 million tuning in through the Nine Network. That’s a lot of people! To put it into perspective, that’s like filling up the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and then some. Meanwhile, the NRL grand final, which was no slouch itself, managed to capture the attention of millions with the Roosters narrowly defeating Newcastle 19-18. Yet, despite its second-highest viewership in league history, it still paled in comparison to the AFL’s numbers. It’s like bringing a knife to a gunfight, really.
But let’s not be too harsh on the NRL, shall we? After all, it’s only the second highest viewership ever for the league, trailing only last year’s Broncos-Storm match. So, while the AFL is basking in the limelight, V’landys (the man, the myth, the legend behind NRL) still has plenty of reasons to strut around with his chest puffed out. After all, who wouldn’t want to be the head honcho of a league that can still boast impressive numbers even when it falls short?
As the dust settles from this year’s grand finals, it’s worth pondering what these ratings really mean. Are they a reflection of the sports themselves, or simply the power of marketing and media? Let’s be honest; both leagues have their own unique charm. The AFL’s high-flying marks and free-flowing play are a sight to behold, while the NRL’s tough, gritty contests keep fans on the edge of their seats. It’s akin to comparing apples and oranges – or maybe kangaroos and koalas? Either way, each has its own loyal fanbase ready to defend their choice to the death.
So, while the AFL may be popping champagne and doing victory laps around the MCG, the NRL is still riding high on its own accomplishments. V’landys has a lot to crow about, and with the ratings still soaring, it’s clear that Australian sports are alive and well. And hey, at the end of the day, isn’t it nice that we have two incredible codes to cheer for? Whether you’re a die-hard AFL fan or an NRL enthusiast, let’s all raise a glass (or a can of beer) to the wonderful world of Australian sports! Cheers!
Inspired by: “AFL claims grand final TV ratings win, but still plenty for V’landys to crow about” (r/Local)