Melbourne City FC’s win over Perth Glory in yesterday’s Westfield W-League 2017 Grand Final was the most viewed decider in the competition’s history, both in terms of attendance and TV ratings.
A record Grand Final crowd of 4,591 was in attendance at nib Stadium to witness the finale, bettering the previous best set in the inaugural 2009 Westfield W-League decider.
Resolute City take the glory at Perth’s expense
Yesterday’s Grand Final was also the highest rating Westfield W-League match ever on FOX SPORTS with a reach of 165,000.
ABC TV’s broadcast of the match also boasted a reach of 275,000 meaning an impressive total of 440,000 tuned in to watch Melbourne City FC create their own piece of history as they claimed back-to-back championships.
Head of Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League, Greg O’Rourke said the figures proved the popularity and quality of this season’s Westfield W-League competition.
“To eclipse both the Grand Final attendance record and the highest ever ratings for a Westfield W-League match on Fox Sports is an outstanding result and a fantastic endorsement for the Westfield W-League and the game,” said O’Rourke.
“These record numbers show the strength and continued growth of women’s football and the increasing stature of the Westfield W-League, which has now been in operation for nine seasons. Our planning for future seasons is already well underway as we strive to ensure the continued growth of the W-League in a time where women’s sport across Australia enjoys well-deserved success.
“Both clubs are also to be commended for the impressive audience numbers as they produced a highly entertaining encounter befitting of a Grand Final.”
