http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Aust ... all_LeagueTotal minor round crowd this year of 252,947 the 2nd lowest in the last 12 years. Only last year was lower.
Games Involving SANFL Clubs only in 2014 averaged 2588 per game.
In last 12 years, previous lowest average per game was 2624 in 2013 and highest in last 12 years was 3235 per game in 2011.
Average crowd per game with AFL involved teams was 3177. Overall 2810 per game.
There was a significant dip in 2012 when ticket prices were raised to $14 and every AFL game was shown live on Foxtel for the first time. A dip again in 2013 with the AFL Reserves debate in full swing. With commercial coverage and AFL sides in the competition, there is less attendance again in 2014 for games not involving AFL Reserves. There are 650 people per game who were attending in 2011 not attending now to support their SANFL club, unless an AFL team is involved.
In summary, the interest in the 8 SANFL clubs is at an all time low. The interest in the SANFL competition is about the same, thanks to the AFL Reserves teams.
I expect the SANFL finals to be well attended for the same reason the Power and Crows are getting good crowds this season - Adelaide Oval.
The SANFL clubs, and therefore competition, are becoming more reliant on the AFL than ever before. It would appear this is more by design than fate.