The Sydney Swans are gearing up for a potential 2024 AFL Grand Final appearance, and for many members, the excitement is palpable. But the coveted tickets come with a catch - a member ballot system designed to ensure fairness and transparency.

This article serves as your comprehensive guide to navigating the registration process, understanding the different priority groups, and maximizing your chances of securing a ticket to witness the grand finale at the MCG.

Understanding the Member Ballot System

The Sydney Swans, in collaboration with the AFL, have implemented a ballot ticketing system for the 2024 Toyota AFL Grand Final. This system ensures that members have a fair opportunity to purchase tickets despite the limited availability.

For the 2024 Grand Final, the number of tickets available for Club members to purchase is less than the total number of members. This creates a scenario where a ballot system is necessary to ensure fair distribution.

The Registration Process

The registration process is straightforward, but members must adhere to the designated timeframes and instructions to secure their place in the ballot.

1. Visit Ticketek and Log In: You'll need a My Ticketek account to proceed with the registration process. If you don't have an account, creating one is recommended at least 24 hours in advance.

2. Select the Registration Tile: Once you're logged in, locate the “Sydney Swans 2024 Toyota AFL Grand Final Registration” tile on the Ticketek homepage.

3. Choose Your Priority Group: Carefully select your Priority Group from the drop-down menu on the right-hand side of the page. The priority groups are based on your membership type, ensuring a fair distribution of tickets.

4. Enter Membership Barcodes: Enter your membership barcode(s) in the designated box, ensuring you remove any letters and commas. Each barcode will be charged a non-refundable $3.95 fee at the end of the registration process.

5. Ticket Preferences: Select your ticket preference. Members can choose to accept the best available ticket, including standing room, or select only reserved seats. Selecting the first option increases your chances of securing a ticket, even if it means being allocated a standing room spot.

6. Confirmation and Payment: The next page will confirm your registration. Carefully review all the information before proceeding. Read the terms and conditions, agree to them, and submit your payment.

7. Confirmation: Once your registration is complete and your credit card is authorized, you will receive a confirmation page and an email with your Ticketek Customer ID. Keep this information and your membership barcodes for reference.

Priority Groups and Registration Timeframes

Sydney Swans memberships are categorized into three priority groups:

Priority One – Guaranteed*

• Membership Types: Premiership Club, SCG Premium and Life Members

• Registration Time: 8am-11am on the allocated day

Guarantee: Any Premiership Club, SCG Premium, or Life Member who does not register within the designated timeframe or chooses to register in Priority Two or Three will waive their right to a guaranteed ticket. However, all registrations within the designated timeframe will be randomized to determine the order of ticket allocation.

Priority Two – Ballot

• Membership Types: Platinum 11, Gold 11, Red Zone 11, Swans Pass, VIC AFL Platinum, VIC Ultimate, VIC Flexi

• Registration Time: 12 noon - 3pm on the allocated day

Ballot: Any Platinum 11, Gold 11, Red Zone 11, Swans Pass, VIC AFL Platinum, VIC Ultimate, or VIC Flexi member who does not register within the designated timeframe or chooses to register with Priority Three members will waive their right to the Priority Two ballot.

Priority Three – Ballot

• Membership Types: Red 5, Red 3, Interstate Memberships, Supporter Memberships, Mini Memberships, AFL Silver and Bronze Club of Support Memberships

• Registration Time: 4pm - 6pm on the allocated day

Ballot: Priority Three members will be allocated Grand Final tickets after Priority Group One and Priority Group Two registrations have been fulfilled. The Priority Three ballot will only proceed if tickets are still available.

Payment and Ticket Allocation

If the Sydney Swans qualify for the Grand Final and you are successful in the ballot, you will be automatically charged for the tickets.  Members who are successful will have their credit cards charged on September 21, 22, or 23. Ensure that you have sufficient funds available on your nominated card.

Tickets will be allocated on a next-best-available basis. If your credit card fails to process, your tickets will be reallocated to eligible members.

You can check if you were successful in the ballot from 9am (AEST) on Monday, September 23 by logging onto the Ticketek website or the Sydney Swans website and checking your Ticketek Customer ID.

What Happens if the Sydney Swans Don't Qualify?

If the Sydney Swans fail to qualify for the Grand Final, you will not be charged for tickets, but the $3.95 registration fee per barcode will be retained to cover administrative costs.

Maximize Your Chances of Securing a Ticket

Here are some key tips to maximize your chances of getting a ticket:

• Register within your priority timeframe: Registering within your allocated timeframe is crucial. Failure to do so may result in your priority being waived.

• Accept the best available ticket: Select the option to accept the best available ticket, including standing room. This significantly increases your chances of getting a ticket.

• Ensure sufficient funds: Have enough funds available on your credit card to cover the potential cost of the highest-priced ticket for all members registered in your transaction.

• Contact Membership Support if you have any issues: Don't hesitate to contact the Sydney Swans Membership team if you experience any problems during the registration process.

Final Thoughts

The Sydney Swans 2024 Grand Final ticket ballot is a unique opportunity for members to be part of a potentially historic event. By following the registration process, understanding the priority groups, and heeding the tips outlined above, you can significantly increase your chances of securing a ticket to witness the grand finale at the MCG.

Remember, the spirit of the game is what brings us together. Whether you secure a ticket or not, be sure to cheer on the Sydney Swans and experience the electrifying atmosphere of the 2024 Toyota AFL Grand Final.