Often, we see active fans get a bad wrap from media groups, but the most important stakeholders in the game - the fans and players, both love Australian football's active supporters.

In a recent video and report released from the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), they have looked into the effects that the over-policing of fans is having on the game both from a atmosphere perspective as well as the overall enjoyment levels. 

Players are feeling it too, with a down trend in the post game atmosphere ratings - the players provide data across a multitude of points including atmosphere and the quality of the pitch.

In the video and corresponsing article, we see excerpts of player suggestions on how to fix the declining trend in active support with legal smoke being a popular opinion.

The players also suggested less rules and regulations on the active groups. This would allow them to grow and get us, the fans, back to the peak levels of atmosphere that we were experiencing not so long ago.

In the newly released “PFA 2017/18 season review” we also see the players saying that the teams with the lowest atmosphere ratings are Wellington Phoenix, Melbourne City and Central Coast Mariners.

Melbourne City stands out amongst the three as a team that has been competitive and even won the FFA Cup, yet it appears that the fans are not showing up and participating as you would be hoping for.

The distrust amongst the fans and fan groups of those who direct stadium security and police in general is clear to see for everyone involved in the game.

Recently, Perth Glory fans walked out of their high profile friendly with Chelsea FC when the previously approved drums and other items were removed from the area.

We see a willingness for the League and the clubs to use active fans as a major part of their advertising, yet we do not see them work together to resolve the issues that they face. This season is one of promise and we hope to see clear improvement, with Melbourne Victory leading the charge with recent rule changes.

We can only hope that the clubs and the FFA can find a way to encourage the growth of active support whilst ensuring the the fans are acting appropriately.