The AFL’s Gather Round Secures Future in South Australia
The AFL’s Gather Round has once again proven its value, with South Australia securing a place in the league’s calendar for another year. This decision comes after a successful edition of the event, highlighted by a record crowd at one of the games.
Geelong coach Chris Scott praised the large turnout for his team’s match, emphasizing the positive experience for both players and fans. The event has become a key showcase for the AFL, and moving it from its current location would be a significant step, especially after four consecutive years of strong attendance and television ratings.
Recent discussions have centered around the future of the Gather Round, involving South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas and other stakeholders, including Sydney chairman Andrew Pridham. These conversations have added to the excitement surrounding the event, with many hoping for its continued presence in the state.
Challenges and Successes
Despite concerns about rising fuel prices and the potential impact on interstate travel, the Gather Round managed to attract a record number of fans. The event saw a cumulative attendance of 270,018, surpassing the previous record of 269,506 set in 2025. This achievement was particularly notable given the intermittent wet weather throughout the weekend.
One of the highlights of the round was the game held at Norwood, where 9,434 fans attended to watch Geelong defeat West Coast. For Scott, this was a special moment, as it marked the first time his team played at the venue.
“It’s a bit of an honour for the Cats to be part of that,” said Scott. “I would have said this if we’d lost … we just had a great experience over here. I’m not necessarily supporting that fact that Adelaide keep it forever, but what I will acknowledge is gee, they do a bloody good job of it.”
Positive Feedback from AFL Leadership
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon also expressed satisfaction with the event’s success. He noted that hotel occupancy in Adelaide was higher than the previous year, and the TV ratings for the Friday night clash between Collingwood and Fremantle were the highest of the season.
“When you turn our matches into events, our fans come and they watch,” Dillon said. “There was always a bit of uncertainty. So to just see it play out the way it has, it just shows how resilient our fans are and how much they love coming to the footy. It’s been such a great vibe around the city.”
Looking Ahead
When asked about the future of the Gather Round, Dillon remained cautious but optimistic. He emphasized the importance of securing the right deal rather than rushing into an agreement.
“We’re just continuing to have conversations. We’ll get through the weekend, we’ll get the economic data and then sit down with the premier,” he said. “He’s said a couple of times, and we reiterate, we want to get the right deal, not a quick one. We’re looking to have a medium-term deal as well, so we can invest in infrastructure and everything around the game.”
Dillon also acknowledged the efforts of South Australia, highlighting the state’s commitment to hosting the event over the past three years. He expressed excitement about continuing the discussions with the premier, confident that the future of the Gather Round in the state is secure.
Conclusion
The success of the latest Gather Round has reinforced its value to the AFL and its fans. With strong attendance numbers, positive feedback from coaches and officials, and a clear commitment from South Australia, the event is set to remain a highlight of the football calendar. As negotiations continue, the focus remains on ensuring a sustainable and beneficial arrangement for all parties involved.
