Barossa Valley left disappointed by 2023 AFL Gather Round fixture

One of SA’s biggest local footy competitions has been left shocked by the AFL’s decision to overlook its region during Gather Round, but remains hopeful of securing a game in season 2024.

One of South Australia’s biggest regional footy competitions has surprisingly missed out on an AFL Gather Round game in season 2023 but remains adamant it can secure one in the future.

While the Barossa Valley originally held pole position for a game during the AFL’s festival of footy in mid-April, it has been revealed the Adelaide Hills will instead host a matchup between Brisbane and North Melbourne at Mount Barker’s Summit Sport and Recreation Park on Saturday, April 15.

Barossa, Light and Gawler Football Association premier Nuriootpa was originally touted for the game, and Premier Peter Malinauskas had even hoped the regional game would take place in the Barossa to showcase the state.

Association chief Mick Brien said he was disappointed the region missed out.

“We’re very disappointed. We were told the ground at Nuriootpa wasn’t wide enough but the dimensions are wider than Norwood Oval, which will host games, so I can’t quite get my head around that,” Brien said.

Nuriootpa celebrates its 2022 premiership. The club was originally poised to host the regional game of next year's AFL Gather Round. Picture: Barossa, Light and Gawler FA

“There is no problem with the capacity of the ground – we’ve had 7,000 there on grand final days – we were told it was just the dimensions.

“It would’ve been massive for the game here, for tourism and for businesses. It’s not a knock on the Hills and Mount Barker, we’re very happy for them and we respect the decision, but we’re disappointed we don’t get to showcase our region and league.”

Champion West Coast captain Shannon Hurn – who is likely entering his final year in the AFL – would have been a significant drawcard for the Barossa.

The 35-year-old defender was born and raised in Angaston and has become a major figure in the BLGFA, with the medal for best on ground during the grand final being named in his honour.

Barossa icon Shannon Hurn (right) with 2022 Hurn Medallist, Nuriootpa's Brad Hoepner. Picture: Peter Argent

“It would have been fantastic to have a West Coast game here – people would have come in droves to celebrate Shannon,” Brien said.

“We know he’d love to play a game for points in front of his home people but sadly it wasn’t to be.

“We’re not burying our heads in the sand though, we’ve got to take it on the chin and we’ll look at what we can fix so that as a region and league we can convince the AFL to give us a go if there’s a ‘next time.”

The Hills Football League was thrilled with the opportunity to host a minor round AFL game.

“The HFL is excited by the announcement of the location of a Saturday match during the Gather Round at the Summit Sport and Recreation Park,” a league spokesperson said.

“This is the perfect opportunity for grassroots football in our community and we will benefit from the legacy of holding an AFL game in the region.

“(It also presents) an opportunity for all clubs to be involved.”

While the SANFL has urged local footy competitions to implement a bye for the round, it remains to be seen how many competitions will do so.