CHIEF executive Peter Jackson says ‘The Welcome Game’, which was held as part of the Melbourne and St Kilda match at the MCG on Sunday, was a success.

Jackson said it was imperative to attract new fans to the game for the future of the game, and added that ‘The Welcome Game’ was an important start for the club.

“This was a great day for our club – a real win, win, win. It was a great result for the team, a great crowd and a strong response to our ‘Welcome Game’ plans,” he told melbournefc.com.au.  

“Almost 7,000 people who registered for free tickets actually came to the game to experience for the first time what is great about Melbourne and our game.

“If our game is to remain the number one game in Australia for the next 20 to 50 years, it is important to get people who are new to Melbourne and who have not yet experienced Australian rules football to enjoy our game.

“What better way for their first experience than at the Melbourne Cricket Ground with the Melbourne Football Club, both synonymous with the City of Melbourne.

“The AFL has always been a welcoming and safe environment for all people. We want all people, no matter their background, their beliefs or who they love, to appreciate this and enjoy our great game and our great club.”

The match attracted a crowd of 53,115 – the eighth best for a Melbourne and St Kilda game.

It was also the fifth highest attendance between the two sides for a home and away contest.

It was a fine achievement, given the two clubs have played 212 times since they joined the VFL/AFL as foundation clubs in 1897