The 2023 AFL Finals Series on the Seven Network has shown an uptick in viewership numbers according to weekend ratings data.
This growth is observed in both national and city-specific figures, as well as across various age demographics.
The Semi-Final match between Melbourne and Carlton at the MCG reported 1.13 million national viewers, an 83% increase compared to the average Friday night audience during the regular 2023 season. The broadcast reached a total of 2.59 million individuals nationally. When segmented by city, the data showed an increase of 94% in Melbourne, 92% in Brisbane, 70% in Sydney, 69% in Perth, and 64% in Adelaide.
For the corresponding Friday night, Seven Network held a 54.6% share of the commercial audience nationally. Within specific age groups, the share was 54.1% for individuals aged 25 to 54 and 56.2% for those aged 16 to 39.
The Saturday match involving Port Adelaide and GWS GIANTS at the Adelaide Oval averaged 1.01 million viewers, marking a 93% rise against the 2023 regular season’s average for Saturday nights. City-specific metrics exhibited substantial gains: a 272% increase in Sydney, 196% in Brisbane, 90% in Adelaide, 75% in Melbourne, and 55% in Perth.
For that Saturday evening, the network achieved a 45.4% commercial audience share nationally. Amongst the 25 to 54s, the share was 41.2%, and for the 16 to 39s, it was 41.1%.
Across the two aforementioned games, Seven Network captured 71% of the overall television audience for AFL broadcasts, including a 72% share in regional Australia.
In terms of weekly performance, the Seven Network ended the week of 17 September with a commercial audience share of 45.4% nationally, marking its 10th consecutive week leading the ratings as per the OzTAM 2023 survey.
Furthermore, Seven Network has announced that the AFL Grand Final and Brownlow Medal will be made available live and free across their platforms, including the 7plus streaming service, for the first time in 2023.
