Hostplus SANFL Grand Final attracts big TV audience

By SANFL Media

The thrilling 2022 Hostplus SANFL League Grand Final attracted outstanding viewing of the Channel 7 broadcast.

An average audience of more than 93,600 viewers tuned in to Channel 7 and 7plus to watch Norwood’s one-point victory over North Adelaide to claim the SANFL Premiership on Sunday, September 18.

During a pulsating final quarter, the viewing audience peaked with more than 149,000 people watching.

SANFL Chief Executive Officer Darren Chandler said the 2022 Grand Final would go down in football history as an “absolute classic” season finale between two great SANFL clubs.

“The Hostplus SANFL League Grand Final was an epic game and these viewing numbers reinforce the huge importance of our partnership with Channel 7 in strengthening and promoting our great State League competition,” Mr Chandler said.

“This is an outstanding result and is a reflection of the continuing interest at a local and national level of our competition.”

“It really shows that there are many fans who can’t make it to the matches or make a choice to stay at home, but nevertheless still have an appetite to consume SANFL footy through the high-quality coverage offered by the Channel 7 broadcast.

“Seven’s broadcast support of the SANFL is crucial in building the national profile and health of our league, attracting high calibre players, sponsors and, importantly, keeping South Australian footy lovers connected to their SANFL club and the competition.”

The Grand Final broadcast viewership follows strong broadcast viewing numbers across the 2022 season. Average viewing of the Channel 7 match of the round was up 23 per cent on 2021 and up 60 per cent for viewers aged 25-54.

The Channel 7 SANFL match broadcasts also were number one in their timeslot during the season, with a significant 229 per cent bigger audience than its closest competitor.

On-demand and live-streaming of matches on 7Plus also had increased by more than 50 per cent from last year.