Fixture Gather Round - SA announced as host for next 3 years 2024-2026

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16.04.23

GATHER ROUND SOUTH AUSTRALIA
AFL LOCKS IN SA FOR NEXT THREE SEASONS

The AFL in partnership with the SA Government is pleased to announce ‘Gather Round…. A Festival of Footy’ will be hosted in South Australia for the next three seasons.

The inaugural ‘Gather Round’ has been an overwhelming success, with all nine games sold out, more than 220,000 fans attending matches across the Adelaide Oval, Norwood Oval and Mount Barker in the Adelaide Hills and tens of thousands of fans attending the footy festival on the banks of Torrens.

More than 60,000 fans purchased tickets from interstate.

Across 2024, 2025 and 2026, Gather Round …. A festival of footy will be hosted exclusively in South Australia, with Adelaide Oval to be the central venue, with the intent from both the AFL and the SA Government to take regional matches in 2024 to the Barossa / McClaren Vale region.

As part of the three-year term, both the AFL and SA Government have also committed to establishing a community football legacy fund, that will benefit local footy clubs in the state beyond the weekend of matches.

The AFL will lock in the fixture dates of the round in the coming weeks to give fans as much lead time as possible to book travel and accommodation.

Ticketing information will be release later in the year.

“South Australia really turned it on. Gather Round and all the activity across the state, the nine matches, the footy festival and the community football engagement has been some of the best days and events the AFL has ever delivered,” AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan said.

“It has been a success because everyone in football got behind the idea, clubs, players, corporate partners and most importantly our fans, to deliver an extraordinary few days,

“While the concept has real momentum, and we plan on taking it to other states around the country, we also feel in order for it to be as successful in the other states we need to continue to build out the concept in South Australia,

“The reality is we only had a few months to pull this together, and we hope by locking it in now we are giving everyone a longer runway to put together a bigger and even better event, and our fans certainty around booking travel and accommodation.

“The match at Mount Barker was a special afternoon on Saturday and an important part of recommitting to South Australia was to establish the community legacy fund, ensuring local footy clubs’ benefit from bringing the Gather Round to town.”

During the round the AFL has facilitated dozens of community club and school visits, held seminars for community club volunteers and delivered more than 10,000 footballs to regional community clubs.

Details on the Community legacy fund will be communicated at a later date.

“On behalf of the AFL I want to thank to Premier Malinauskas and his team in the SA Government who in partnership, delivered an unbelievable few days for footy and the state of South Australia.”

The AFL will also work with the AFLPA on the commitments to the players.

“The players have been strong partners in the Gather Round concept and have embraced wholeheartedly the round. We will now work with the AFLPA on the commitments to the players in the coming years.”

SA Premier Peter Malinauskas said “The inaugural Gather Round has been a stunning success, in no small part thanks to the willingness of South Australians, and our interstate visitors, to show up.
“We know that this has delivered huge benefits for our state, and that is why I’m so pleased to see it return for the next three years.”

“With more time to plan, we know we can make Gather Round even bigger and better than what it has already become.”

“I want to thank Gillon McLachlan, the AFL, wider footballing community, public servants, councils and others who’ve all worked so hard to deliver such an amazing event in just a few months.”

“But most of all, I want to thank each and every person who showed up.”

“This agreement is because of you.”

-ends-
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Last edited by a moderator:
It's not as if teams can't have 5-day breaks. And the Pies won't use one up on Anzac Day next year, with April 25th being a Friday (and 8 days after Easter Thursday).

So just have Brisbane vs whoever, and Collingwood vs whoever, on the Saturday.
 

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Soggy2112 said:
They should keep the Pies away from the SA teams as they’re the most likely to draw a big crowd independent of us.
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I expect it to be shared tbh.

2023 - Carlton and Western Bulldogs
2024 - Essendon and Melbourne

Then Richmond, Collingwood, Geelong, Hawthorn, North Melbourne, St Kilda to vs the hosts in the next 3 gather rounds
 
Collingwood president Jeff Browne pushing for "mini-Magic" rounds in Sydney and Brisbane next year to open the season:

“We will speak (to the AFL) about Opening Round; we won’t be going if it is just two clubs going to Sydney,” Browne told the Herald Sun.
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“It took a bit out of us (last year) … if everyone goes up there and plays the game there, I am happy with that - but we are not going to do like we did (earlier) this year.” Browne said he could not understand why the AFL would not fixture “a mini-Magic Round” - replicating the NRL experience - to kickstart next season, with potentially five games in Sydney and four in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
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He said it would have a different feel to Gather Round, which had been so successful in two different versions in Adelaide, but would be great in terms of promotion of the code.
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“Half the teams could go to Brisbane and half the teams could go to Sydney. It neutralises disadvantage, but also pumps up the development of those markets. We are fully supportive of that. We want to go there, but we want to make sure it is fair for everyone.”
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To do this, the AFL would need to get 5 clubs to agree to sell a home game. Or: the AFL just brings in the 24th game a few years early, which they can use for Opening Round (thereby preserving every club's 11 home games).

I think the AFL would rather put 9 games in Sydney than give Queensland any extra matches, but the logistics may force their hand.

Other news today:
Work has begun on the much-needed upgrade to Henson Park following a $12.5 million funding agreement between the Federal Government, State Government, the AFL and Inner West Council.
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The investment from the Australian Government of $2.5 million for the upgrade alongside the NSW Government’s $5 million investment, $4.5 million from the AFL and $500,000 from the Inner West Council – plus the Council’s $2.85 million for surface renewal, drainage and improved lighting in recent years – has meant the dream for Henson Park to become an elite venue is almost realised.
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Teen Wolf said:
Collingwood president Jeff Browne pushing for "mini-Magic" rounds in Sydney and Brisbane next year to open the season:






To do this, the AFL would need to get 5 clubs to agree to sell a home game. Or: the AFL just brings in the 24th game a few years early, which they can use for Opening Round (thereby preserving every club's 11 home games).

I think the AFL would rather put 9 games in Sydney than give Queensland any extra matches, but the logistics may force their hand.

Other news today:
Click to expand...


On the first point, how can Collingwood say they won't be going, since when do they decide the fixture?

On Henson park, that's good they're getting an upgrade of 12.5 million, but again it's an example of Albanese requiring the AFL to tip in money, yet leichardt oval he is putting more in and the nrl aren't required to put a cent towards the 40 million upgrade there. It's double standards.
 
Bjo187 said:
On the first point, how can Collingwood say they won't be going, since when do they decide the fixture?
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Outright refusing the fixture seems like a stretch. But the AFL would want them to be "all in" on the promotion in the same way clubs are for Gather Round (not just talking up the concept via media but also getting involved in local clinics etc.), which is something Collingwood could legitimately withhold.

Bjo187 said:
On Henson park, that's good they're getting an upgrade of 12.5 million, but again it's an example of Albanese requiring the AFL to tip in money, yet leichardt oval he is putting more in and the nrl aren't required to put a cent towards the 40 million upgrade there. It's double standards.
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He allocated $65m to York Park last year which, far as I know, is $65m more than what the AFL is putting in.
 
Decided to have a guess on what the Gather Round fixture could look like in 2025 to pass the time:

Thursday

Adelaide vs. Richmond (Adelaide Oval) - (7.10pm)
While Richmond is currently going through the rebuilding phase, the Tigers still have a strong supporter base and beat the Crows in R12 at AO this year 79 - 71 as well. Probably would expect Adelaide to come out firing though after a disastrous season in 2024 and set the city of Adelaide alight for the fun weekend ahead with the easy win.

Tip - Adelaide by 46 points

Friday

St. Kilda vs. GWS (Norwood Oval) - (4.35pm)
Two smaller clubs out there who have had experiencing playing at Norwood once so far in the GR experiment so far (Giants 23 & Saints 24). Even though the current ladder tells a different story, this matchup was a lot closer in R5 at Manuka Oval in Canberra this year with GWS winning 80 - 79 in 2024 but wouldn't be surprising if Saints beat the Giants next year in a massive upset.

Tip - St. Kilda by 15 points

Port Adelaide vs. Hawthorn (Adelaide Oval) - (7.20pm)
One of the underrated clashes of the week with Port Adelaide having another successful season in 2024 and Hawthorn continue to improve quickly in being one of the best clubs in the competition again. Both teams played a really close match in R10 with the Power coming back all day to win 80 - 79 (as well) but Hawks continues to improve quickly and can overrun the Power similar to what happened in 2022 given their young talent and bright outlook in another upset.

Tip - Hawthorn by 28 points

Saturday

West Coast vs. North Melbourne (Mount Barker)-(1.40pm)
Two current rebuilding clubs in 2024 of the competition who have had experience playing at Mount Barker once so far in the South Australia GR experiment (Kangaroos 23 & Eagles 24). North Melbourne did beat West Coast 74 - 65 in R13 at Perth with another matchup scheduled this week in Hobart. Expect the Kangaroos to be ahead of the Eagles though and win comfortably.

Tip - North Melbourne by 42 points

Essendon vs. Brisbane (Adelaide Oval) - (4.35pm)
Interesting match ahead for both clubs with Brisbane's first time at AO for the GR experiment. Essendon have settled as a middle of the road team for the last 2-3 years while Brisbane continue playing constant finals with this year's upcoming matchup scheduled in R24 at the GABBA in 2024. While Bombers would provide a sniff, would expect the Lions will just be too strong and pounce in a fiery clash to win.

Tip - Brisbane by 26 points

Collingwood vs. Sydney (Adelaide Oval) - (7.20pm)
Match of the week by far with both clubs having a very high supporter base and would be a blockbuster matchup. Collingwood has had a disappointing season to miss the finals in 2024 after their premiership in 2023 whereas Sydney are hot favourites to win the flag this year with their matchup being played this week in R22 at the SCG. Both teams will be at their best and while the Swans should be favourites, can see the Magpies winning this match in a close one.

Tip - Collingwood by 5 points

Sunday

Melbourne vs. Gold Coast (Barossa Valley) - (12.40pm)
Both teams expecting to perform better next year after disappointing seasons this year with Melbourne's first match outside of AO for the GR experiment. Both teams will face-off in R23 at Gold Coast this year and will be interesting to see how both teams finish off the year. Gold Coast have got more future talent ahead though and will beat the Demons easily to continue their rise to finals in 2025.

Tip - Gold Coast by 31 points

Geelong vs. Fremantle (Norwood Oval) - (2.50pm)
Another underrated clash present for the week with both teams currently in the Top 8 in 2024 with Geelong's first match outside of AO for the GR experiment and Fremantle's second (2023 vs. GC). Both teams will play against each other in R23 (as well) in Perth and while the Dockers future looks bright for many years to come, predicting the Cats to win in a very close clash to push for one more premiership in 2025.

Tip - Geelong by 3 points

Carlton vs. Footscray (Adelaide Oval) - (5.40pm)
To end the week off, two highly rated Victorian teams that are currently premiership fancies in 2024 will battle out. Both teams have been highly rated past couple of years and have played at AO for both editions of Gather Round so far with Footscray being Carlton 100 - 86 in R18 at Melbourne. Always a close one for the final match of GR's previously and expecting the same outlook with the Blues to come back and beat the Bulldogs.

Tip - Carlton by 8 points

With my proposed fixture, I know it isn't perfect and teams like Carlton, Collingwood & Essendon will continue playing at AO while smaller clubs like Gold Coast, North Melbourne & GWS play at suburban grounds. Unfortunately, the AFL will always prioritise money in big clubs able to sell out at AO more quickly than the smaller teams out there so that is the nature of the beast in the AFL world.

Looking forward to 2025 though and hopefully it should be a cracker edition of Gather Round in Adelaide again.

(Swear to god if Brisbane plays North Melbourne again in that week, no offence Kangaroos fans but why AFL why).
 
Cubs2Lions said:
Decided to have a guess on what the Gather Round fixture could look like in 2025 to pass the time:

Thursday

Adelaide vs. Richmond (Adelaide Oval) - (7.10pm)
While Richmond is currently going through the rebuilding phase, the Tigers still have a strong supporter base and beat the Crows in R12 at AO this year 79 - 71 as well. Probably would expect Adelaide to come out firing though after a disastrous season in 2024 and set the city of Adelaide alight for the fun weekend ahead with the easy win.

Tip - Adelaide by 46 points

Friday

St. Kilda vs. GWS (Norwood Oval) - (4.35pm)
Two smaller clubs out there who have had experiencing playing at Norwood once so far in the GR experiment so far (Giants 23 & Saints 24). Even though the current ladder tells a different story, this matchup was a lot closer in R5 at Manuka Oval in Canberra this year with GWS winning 80 - 79 in 2024 but wouldn't be surprising if Saints beat the Giants next year in a massive upset.

Tip - St. Kilda by 15 points

Port Adelaide vs. Hawthorn (Adelaide Oval) - (7.20pm)
One of the underrated clashes of the week with Port Adelaide having another successful season in 2024 and Hawthorn continue to improve quickly in being one of the best clubs in the competition again. Both teams played a really close match in R10 with the Power coming back all day to win 80 - 79 (as well) but Hawks continues to improve quickly and can overrun the Power similar to what happened in 2022 given their young talent and bright outlook in another upset.

Tip - Hawthorn by 28 points

Saturday

West Coast vs. North Melbourne (Mount Barker)-(1.40pm)
Two current rebuilding clubs in 2024 of the competition who have had experience playing at Mount Barker once so far in the South Australia GR experiment (Kangaroos 23 & Eagles 24). North Melbourne did beat West Coast 74 - 65 in R13 at Perth with another matchup scheduled this week in Hobart. Expect the Kangaroos to be ahead of the Eagles though and win comfortably.

Tip - North Melbourne by 42 points

Essendon vs. Brisbane (Adelaide Oval) - (4.35pm)
Interesting match ahead for both clubs with Brisbane's first time at AO for the GR experiment. Essendon have settled as a middle of the road team for the last 2-3 years while Brisbane continue playing constant finals with this year's upcoming matchup scheduled in R24 at the GABBA in 2024. While Bombers would provide a sniff, would expect the Lions will just be too strong and pounce in a fiery clash to win.

Tip - Brisbane by 26 points

Collingwood vs. Sydney (Adelaide Oval) - (7.20pm)
Match of the week by far with both clubs having a very high supporter base and would be a blockbuster matchup. Collingwood has had a disappointing season to miss the finals in 2024 after their premiership in 2023 whereas Sydney are hot favourites to win the flag this year with their matchup being played this week in R22 at the SCG. Both teams will be at their best and while the Swans should be favourites, can see the Magpies winning this match in a close one.

Tip - Collingwood by 5 points

Sunday

Melbourne vs. Gold Coast (Barossa Valley) - (12.40pm)
Both teams expecting to perform better next year after disappointing seasons this year with Melbourne's first match outside of AO for the GR experiment. Both teams will face-off in R23 at Gold Coast this year and will be interesting to see how both teams finish off the year. Gold Coast have got more future talent ahead though and will beat the Demons easily to continue their rise to finals in 2025.

Tip - Gold Coast by 31 points

Geelong vs. Fremantle (Norwood Oval) - (2.50pm)
Another underrated clash present for the week with both teams currently in the Top 8 in 2024 with Geelong's first match outside of AO for the GR experiment and Fremantle's second (2023 vs. GC). Both teams will play against each other in R23 (as well) in Perth and while the Dockers future looks bright for many years to come, predicting the Cats to win in a very close clash to push for one more premiership in 2025.

Tip - Geelong by 3 points

Carlton vs. Footscray (Adelaide Oval) - (5.40pm)
To end the week off, two highly rated Victorian teams that are currently premiership fancies in 2024 will battle out. Both teams have been highly rated past couple of years and have played at AO for both editions of Gather Round so far with Footscray being Carlton 100 - 86 in R18 at Melbourne. Always a close one for the final match of GR's previously and expecting the same outlook with the Blues to come back and beat the Bulldogs.

Tip - Carlton by 8 points

With my proposed fixture, I know it isn't perfect and teams like Carlton, Collingwood & Essendon will continue playing at AO while smaller clubs like Gold Coast, North Melbourne & GWS play at suburban grounds. Unfortunately, the AFL will always prioritise money in big clubs able to sell out at AO more quickly than the smaller teams out there so that is the nature of the beast in the AFL world.

Looking forward to 2025 though and hopefully it should be a cracker edition of Gather Round in Adelaide again.

(Swear to god if Brisbane plays North Melbourne again in that week, no offence Kangaroos fans but why AFL wh
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All fairly logical. Good work.
 
Redline said:
All fairly logical. Good work.
Click to expand...
Thanks, obviously the AFL won't listen to me with fixturing requirements but it was still fun to have a crack before it's release.

Another thing to note that wasn't mentioned in my previous post is the addition of the AFLW match between either Australia vs. Ireland (or) Victoria vs. Rest of Australia that was rumoured to come in for the 2025 edition.

With this addition, the AFL can go down a couple of different routes of how to operate that fixturing the best:

1. Host the match at Adelaide Oval in the afternoon as a triple / double header on Saturday or Sunday.

2. Host the match at Adelaide Oval in the Saturday twilight spot and move Essendon vs. Brisbane to Norwood.

3. Host a double header on Saturday afternoon / twilight at Norwood or Glenelg (if played on Sunday) between VFL vs. SANFL (arvo) men's match / Australia vs. Ireland (twilight) women's match.

Keeping in mind with the fixturing as well, also remember that Foxtel has now got rights to all Saturday matches (including night match that was owned by Ch7 originally) for the first 8 rounds of the season starting from next year, which would impact the fixturing and viewership as we know it.

Personally, the best option out of those three above would be to host a double header on Saturday against VFL vs. SANFL in men's (arvo) and Australia vs. Ireland (twilight) in women's at Norwood so that there is "technically" still a FTA (CH7) match on Saturday twilight, alongside Thursday / Friday night and Sunday afternoon for that week.

*Men's VFL vs. SANFL match to be played on 7mate still, per this year's edition was.
 

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Cubs2Lions said:
Thanks, obviously the AFL won't listen to me with fixturing requirements but it was still fun to have a crack before it's release.

Another thing to note that wasn't mentioned in my previous post is the addition of the AFLW match between either Australia vs. Ireland (or) Victoria vs. Rest of Australia that was rumoured to come in for the 2025 edition.

With this addition, the AFL can go down a couple of different routes of how to operate that fixturing the best:

1. Host the match at Adelaide Oval in the afternoon as a triple / double header on Saturday or Sunday.

2. Host the match at Adelaide Oval in the Saturday twilight spot and move Essendon vs. Brisbane to Norwood.

3. Host a double header on Saturday afternoon / twilight at Norwood or Glenelg (if played on Sunday) between VFL vs. SANFL (arvo) men's match / Australia vs. Ireland (twilight) women's match.

Keeping in mind with the fixturing as well, also remember that Foxtel has now got rights to all Saturday matches (including night match that was owned by Ch7 originally) for the first 8 rounds of the season starting from next year, which would impact the fixturing and viewership as we know it.

Personally, the best option out of those three above would be to host a double header on Saturday against VFL vs. SANFL in men's (arvo) and Australia vs. Ireland (twilight) in women's at Norwood so that there is "technically" still a FTA (CH7) match on Saturday twilight, alongside Thursday / Friday night and Sunday afternoon for that week.

*Men's VFL vs. SANFL match to be played on 7mate still, per this year's edition was.
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With recent results in junior womens matches, maybe it should be South Australia vs the rest of Australia.
 
Purple7x08_24 said:
Geelong won't be playing anywhere other than Adelaide Oval
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Adelaide, Port Adelaide and Collingwood would be the only 3 immune.

Richmond and Hawthorn both have more support in SA than Geelong and have both already played suburban.
 

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Fixture Gather Round - SA announced as host for next 3 years 2024-2026

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