Local SA footy leagues set to adjust fixture to accommodate AFL ‘Magic Round’

SA will host AFL’s ‘Magic Round’ next April and a shake-up is expected across the state’s leagues to accommodate the fixture. Here’s how the round will impact local footy.

Local footy leagues across South Australia could be set to shake-up their fixture for season 2023 with the state now confirmed to host the AFL’s Magic Round in mid-April.

The round five fixture, which will commence through April 13 to 16, will see nine games played across South Australia featuring every AFL club, providing South Australian fans with the opportunity to experience an unprecedented spectacle.

Following the announcement, the SANFL and Adelaide Footy League have both confirmed they will implement bye rounds to accommodate the fixture.

This would have meant the Adelaide Footy League had two weeks off after its opening round of the season, but the competition has now decided to begin on April 22 to remove any potential byes.

Port District’s Zac Hawkins during the 2022 Adelaide Footy League div one grand final. The competition will implement a two-week bye after its opening round in 2023. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

“The league was happy to collaborate with the Premier to play a role in assisting him to deliver this event for South Australia and footy in general,” Adelaide Footy League chief John Kernahan said.

“The timing of it being the week after Easter where we also would have a bye isn’t ideal but as a one off, we’ll play our part.”

SANFL chief Darren Chandler said hosting the Magic Round was a significant coup for the state and was thrilled SA fans had the opportunity to experience it.

“As the biggest club sport in this state with over 50,000 participants and tens of thousands of supporters and volunteers, footy is the fabric of South Australia,” Chandler said.

SANFL chief Darren Chandler has urged competitions around the state to hold a bye and allow local players and participants the chance to experience Magic Round. Picture: File

“Adelaide certainly is the perfect city for this unique event and I have no doubt that all footy and sporting fans will embrace it.

“South Australians are passionate about their football and I have no doubt would support this unique event in droves.

“We look forward to working with the AFL, State Government and all football stakeholders in SA to finalise venues in addition to Adelaide Oval and deliver a football festival which has never been seen before.”

The SANFL also said it would encourage and work with all leagues across SA to do the same and in turn allow all involved in the sport at a local level the opportunity to be a part of the showcase.