If you happen to be in Melbourne this weekend, it’s going to be hard to avoid the AFL Grand Final, whether you follow the code or not. And while some of us will probably just be grateful for the extra day off on Friday, footy die-hards are paying for their passion quite literally.

According to news.com.au, West Australian fans are forking out thousands of dollars and even booking international routes with stopovers in Melbourne to secure their place in our city for the AFL grand final between the West Coast and Hawthorn. With only peak prices available, even with the budget airlines, fans are finding it better value to go the international route instead of flying direct to Melbourne.

Former Qantas chief economist Tony Webber said even though direct flights were costing around $1800 (which is about three times normal prices) it was “absolutely” ethical because all the airlines were doing it and just for this weekend.

“There’s an exceptionally high, what economists call ‘willing to pay’ and lack of sensitivity [from consumers] during entertainment periods where airlines say ‘thank you very much’ and beef up the price,” he said.

I guess, in this case, super-fandom is priceless.

Image via Flickr

[Via.]

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