Enraged fans have taken aim at the AFL over the record low numbers that attended Giants Stadium on Saturday for the 18th Sydney derby between the Swans and Giants.
A sunny 14 degree day and 2:10pm bounce weren't enough to inspire the Swans and Giants faithful, with a dismal 16,116 walking through the turstiles - or so the AFL claims.
It is the worst recorded crowd attendance at a game between the two cross-town rivals, after 17,102 showed up to watch the Giants claim their first win in the rivalry in 2014.
The numbers triggered outrage from fans on Twitter, with many suggesting the AFL has a crisis on its hand in New South Wales if Saturday's attendance is anything to go by.
More: Was Sam Reid robbed of a chance to win Sydney derby?
The lack of a crowd today is not a good look for the #AFL. #AFLGiantsSwans
— jonnyforeigner (@j_foreigner) August 3, 2019
If you don't think that the Midgets and Swans have 90k legitimate members then these photos of today's humongous battle of the bridge crowd at Midgets Stadium will remove any doubts. @NRL executives would be shivering with fear. #Crisis #AFLGiantsSwans pic.twitter.com/x9KDeWGjnA
— Booze Hound (@Booze__Hound) August 3, 2019
Worst derby crowd ever I’d think #proudlysydney #AFLGiantsSwans
— Damien E (@dexswans) August 3, 2019
Ticket sales provided an indication through the week that Sydney derby XVIII was due for its worst all-time attendance, with GWS Giants CEO David Matthews also citing Sydney's poor season and star man Buddy Franklin's injury as key factors.
The Giants recently announced it had reached record membership numbers, after surpassing 30,000 members in April .
However, with over 90,000 members combined between the two clubs, the figure should sound alarm bells for the AFL, who continue to promote their efforts in growing the game in the New South Wales and ACT region.
Those who chose not to attend missed an absolute thriller out at Homebush, with the in-form Giants resisting a brave third-term fight from the Swans to claim a 12.11 (83) to 12.9 (81) victory.
The win sees the side solidify a position in the top four, with a trip to face Hawthorn next week awaiting.
