Source : ABC NEWS
South Australia’s premier says he is “trying to hold the line” as Gather Round negotiations continue, with the 2026 event attracting record crowds.
Peter Malinauskas said the term length for an agreement with the AFL was being discussed, along with how an extra team would fit into the concept and whether the AFLW could be involved.
“I’ve got a responsibility to get this right, and I’m trying to hold the line on a few things,” Mr Malinauskas told 891 ABC Adelaide on Monday morning.
The state government said 270,018 fans attended the nine AFL matches held in Adelaide and the Barossa Valley as part of the fourth Gather Round from Thursday to Sunday, up from 269,506 last year, despite high fuel prices and rainy weather.
Mr Malinauskas said he spoke to AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon and AFL Commission chair Craig Drummond while at Norwood on Sunday.
Mr Malinauskas said South Australia was in a good bargaining position after the success of the 2026 Gather Round, but he would rather get the deal right rather than rushing it.
He said the focus was on elements of the event rather than the undisclosed sum of money that the state government was paying the AFL to host the round.
“I’m trying to make sure I maximise that for the benefit of South Australia, so we’ll wait until we get it right,” he said.
Warning of interstate version
Last week the chair of the Sydney Swans Andrew Pridham said the NSW government had expressed an interest in hosting a second Gather Round at the start of the season.
There has also been talk of Tasmania hosting the round when that state’s team joins the AFL in 2028.
A large golden football graced Rundle Mall for the AFL Gather Round. (ABC Radio Adelaide: Bobby Macumber)
However, Mr Malinauskas said a “Gather Round lite” could compromise the main event.
“We’re sticking to our guns on a few principles,” he said.
Tasmania Devils general manager of marketing, public affairs and social impact Kath McCann went to the Gather Round in Adelaide over the weekend.
She raised the possibility of an AFLW Gather Round in the future.
“[I’d] love to see a women’s Gather [Round] in time of course,” she told ABC Tasmania’s Mornings program.
Hugh Dixon plays for Tasmania in the VFL. (Supplied: AFL Tasmania)
Hugh Dixon, who plays for Tasmania in the VFL, said the Gather Round appeared “there to stay” in South Australia but other similar events could be held in the Apple Isle in the future.
“Maybe like a heritage round or something down here could be a cool one — give everyone an opportunity to wear their cool retro jerseys or something like that,” he said.
Fans share enjoyment
Essendon supporters Karina Morris and Dale Hermann came to Adelaide from Darwin for the weekend.
Ms Morris said the atmosphere was special in Adelaide during the event.
“It’s good to see the colours, it’s good to see the vibe down at [Elder] Park down there,” she said.
“There’s a lot of excitement for footy at the moment.”
Essendon fans from Darwin, Karina Morris and Dale Hermann, at the Cathedral Hotel in Adelaide. (ABC News: Sarah Maunder)
Western Bulldogs support Sophie Teakle, from Adelaide, said it was “amazing” to have lots of different teams play in the same location.
“It’s really great to have the festival here in Adelaide — it’s beautiful,” she said.
