THE AFL is on track to record its lowest average match crowds since 2004 and television broadcasters are reporting mixed results in audiences for games this season.
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The patchy results have added to growing calls for the AFL to reform its fixture to improve the closeness of games and the fairness of the competition.
The average attendance at AFL games at the end of round 22 was 34,950 - the lowest average crowd per game since 2004.
Last season's average crowd was 36,908.
Channel Seven has recorded a 3.4 per cent decline in national metropolitan audiences this season for Thursday and Friday night AFL broadcasts and a 2 per cent audience decline for Sunday afternoon football.
Network Ten has recorded a 2 per cent audience increase during Saturday afternoon matches and an 8 per cent increase for Saturday night AFL broadcasts. Foxtel declined to release its figures.
One argument is that lop-sided games have deterred fans. Football great David Parkin said he could not remember a season when so many matches were so predictable and the AFL should consider taking action to improve the situation.
''If there is any way of increasing the number of close games when the fixture is done or reducing the number of blowouts then that … has to be a real consideration,'' he said.
''I think for the first time that I can remember - 50 years in the game now - I have seen people leaving the game and not wanting to see the finish because they know what to expect for the next half and the fact that one side is going to be smashed.''
AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said ''television audiences have increased in 2011 both in averages and total watches'' when metropolitan, regional and pay television audiences were combined.
Keane said reduced average attendances at matches was expected this season with the introduction of the Gold Coast, which often played at venues with small capacities.
''The history of expansion has shown there is a drop when a new side comes into the competition,'' he said.
''Our average attendances dropped from 1986 to 1987 when West Coast and Brisbane joined the competition, before rising again each year over the next three years.''
Reinforcing Keane's point, the MCG and Etihad Stadium have recorded slight increases in average crowds per game this season.
MCC chief executive Stephen Gough said attendances at the venue had remained strong this season with the ''strength of Collingwood, Geelong, Hawthorn, Carlton, Essendon and St Kilda''.
jdowling@theage.com.au
