Like it or lump it, the AFL has a massive issue on its hands.

This whole security debacle at games has really put fans offside.

From the outside looking in, it appears there has been a massive overreaction to what was once a minority problem - loud and abusive supporters.

Now it feels like everyone is guilty until proven innocent…

On the weekend, Marvel Stadium rolled out a wave of “behavioural awareness officers” to keep fans in line at the Essendon-Hawthorn game.

Now, the AFL and Gillon McLachlan claim they haven’t enforced any new rules to clamp down on antisocial behaviour at games.

“There’s been no commentary, crackdown or change in policy about what’s acceptable fan behaviour at games,” McLachlan said last week.

But given Marvel Stadium boss Michael Green admitted there was an overreaction and that they haven’t got the balance right, it means one of two things:

  1. The AFL (who owns Marvel Stadium) is involved, or
  2. They’re not involved, and it’s really poor management on their behalf

I think it’s pretty obvious the AFL simply don’t want their brand all over this issue.

Things escalated even more when high-profile Collingwood fan Jeff “Joffa” Corfe announced he would be boycotting games until McLachlan apologised to the fans.

Are fans owed an apology? I’m not sure… But we are definitely owed an explanation.

It’s almost like a mirror image of the new rules on the football oval.

Umpires are still working out how to interpret, players aren’t sure when something will or won’t be called.

It’s comical now that fans in the stands are having the same problem. Can we cheer? Can we criticise? Who knows…

So where does the AFL go from here?

First of all, the AFL needs to get proactive and make a statement - start moving forward with the fan in mind.

And beyond that, simply embrace the competent system we already have in place.

Fans know they can message about antisocial behaviour and security cameras ensure innappropriate fans will be identified/caught.

The proof is in the pudding at Adelaide Oval - we don’t have any “behavioural awareness officers”, just regular security and an integrity officer sent by the AFL.

I think that system works.

Don’t get me wrong, I do feel for umpires who are copping abuse such as “green maggot” and “bald-headed flog”, especially given retention rates are low.

But without any fan interaction or messaging direct from the AFL, it’s extremely unfair to start kicking people out.

Trust the fans, back the system in place and start speaking with your fans, AFL.

Patrolling the aisles is not a look we want associated with our game.

Dale Lewis is the co-host of Triple M’s The Rush Hour with Jars & Louie, weekdays from 3-4pm and 6-7pm. 

Lewis played 182 games for the Sydney Swans between 1990 and 2001.