AFL Wimmera-Mallee's Stephen McQueen said both the Wimmera league and Horsham District league grand finals were extraordinarily well attended.

"The gate takings were among the top three on record for the Wimmera league," Mr McQueen said.

"It was a remarkable turnout, especially considering the weather.

"The Horsham District league's attendance was right up there among the best there has been in recent time as well."

Mr McQueen said attendance at the Wimmera league grand final was bolstered by hosting the event at Horsham's City Oval.

Mr McQueen could not give official attendance numbers. While only 3,000 patrons are allowed in the venue at any one time, Mr McQueen said total attendance across the day would have eclipsed 3,000 for both leagues.

AFL Wimmera-Mallee's Bruce Petering said the 'traditional' style of country football helped attract fans.

"The difference between our local game and the AFL game is certainly a bit of an advantage to us," Mr Petering said.

"If you didn't know anything about Australian rules football, and you went to an AFL game then a Wimmera league game, you would think it was almost two completely different games.

"It's totally different structures, which is what people want. They love going to country football and watching a good, hard contest."

Mr Petering said the importance of football netball clubs in the community had continued to grow.

"It's two-fold - we've got community based football netball clubs that people want to support ... and we've got a game that people love."

Mr Petering said attendance to finals beyond the Wimmera had also been very good.

The Mininera and District league welcomed record numbers for the grand final, as Great Western broke a 36-year premiership drought on a glorious sunny afternoon.

AFL Western District senior operations manager Brad Pole said gate takings were roughly 50 per cent up on previous years.

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox twice weekly from the Wimmera Mail-Times. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Wimmera, sign up below.