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Call for transparency on AFL tickets

The consumer watchdog is calling for greater transparency over the allocation of AFL grand final tickets

Consumer watchdog Choice is calling for greater transparency over the allocation of AFL grand final tickets after an online broker was banned from selling tickets for Saturday's match.

Choice spokesman Christopher Zinn says while demand will always outstrip supply for major sporting events, tickets need to be allocated in the "fairest possible way", ideally through league clubs.

"I would love to know who gets how many tickets, how is it decided," he told AAP.

"There has to be adequate disclosure to make sure that there aren't deals being done. I'm not saying that's the case but it's often the allegation that's made, people consider it unfair.

"We want to make sure that the maximum number of ordinary people who are the people that support these sports, get a chance to go at a reasonable cost."

A crowd of around 100,000 is expected at the MCG on Saturday, but only 27,000 tickets will be distributed to Collingwood and Geelong members, while about 22,000 tickets will each go to Melbourne Cricket Club and AFL members.

The AFL is criticised every year for allowing too many tickets to be sold at extortionate prices for packaged corporate events.

Among the 40 companies authorised to sell tickets for Saturday's decider between Collingwood and Geelong, one package from Centre Square costs $1950 for a premium reserved undercover seat and post-match party featuring a performance by Meatloaf.

Other packages can be bought through AFL clubs from $1300.

Sydney photographer Dean Bentick spent $3000 on two tickets he bought through the AFL.

He said as a Sydneysider who's not an MCC, AFL or club member he had no option but to buy a package deal, even though he only wanted seats.

"After making the purchase I rang the AFL to find out where those seats might be and I was told they were in the last six rows," Mr Bentick said.

"I felt extremely disappointed and ripped off."

For $1500 each, he and his friend get an AFL hat and a breakfast function at Crown Casino, no food or drinks at the ground or post-match function.

"I'll want to eat a lot of bacon and eggs to get my money's worth," he said.

The Victorian Supreme Court on Wednesday banned Sion Events and its unauthorised online ticketing business www.ticketfinders.com.au from selling grand final tickets.

The state's planning department alleged the website was selling grand final tickets at inflated prices without the AFL's permission, allegedly advertising them at $1500 and $1750.

AFL chief Andrew Demetriou said this week that the AFL Commission will try to find at least 8000 extra tickets for members of clubs competing in next year's grand final.

The league will also try to source tickets "internally", he said.

As well as the allocation to club, MCC and AFL members, Etihad Stadium's Medallion Club will be allocated about 5000 tickets while around 7500 are expected to go to AFL sponsors and corporates.

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More about: AAP, Andrew, Crown Casino, MCC, Sion

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