Should Gather Round stay in SA? Future of AFL’s footy festival up in the air

AFL fans have made it clear they want Gather Round to stay in South Australia as the Premier vowed: “I’ll be damned if I let some other bastards steal it”. Poll: Do you want it to stay?

AFL fans have overwhelmingly voted for the league’s Gather Round to stay in South Australia as the Premier vowed: “I’ll be damned if I let some other bastards steal it”.

Speaking at the Norwood Parade on Sunday, Peter Malinauskas said he had held “informal” talks with AFL chief executive officer Andrew Dillon to lock in a deal past 2026.

But no deal was unveiled on Sunday as the parties review the weekend’s success. Mr Malinauskas wants to “see the economic value that comes” from the event’s third year after more than 220,000 fans were estimated to have pumped up to $100m into SA’s economy.

As states including Tasmania circle to poach the blockbuster, the Premier – who had toured venues with Mr Dillon and sat with him during the games – warned any rivals against “stealing” the event.

“It’s got a life of its own and it’s got its own momentum,” he said.

“We’ve got to keep, I guess, investing in it and renewing it and holding on to it as best as we can. I’ll be damned if I let some other bastards steal it.”

More than 90 per cent of at least 2100 respondents to an advertiser.com.au poll said SA was the “best place for it”.

While formal talks will start later this year to extend it, officials believe it has been the best Gather Round of the three that has sparked it “into a national mega event”.

“Clearly it’s now such a great event there’s tension in the market,” one official said.

“The AFL is big on partnerships and it had a good one with the state government where both sides really invested in it to make it work.

“This year’s solidified itself as one of biggest national sporting events on the calendar.” Round 5 saw nine matches played at three grounds – Adelaide and Norwood ovals as well as at Lyndoch in the Barossa Valley.

Mr Malinauskas said: “We’re really optimistic the state will be able to secure a new deal ... we know the more interest this gets, the more other states will want it.”

Gather Round has been held in SA since 2023. After a one- year trial, the Premier and former AFL chief Gillon McLachlan announced a three-year extension on the Sunday double header game, to 2026.

Mr Malinauskas said he would not “want to pay more for it than what it’s worth”.

“I’ve got some ideas about the future,” he said. “I took the opportunity to share those with Andrew (Dillon) … and he’s got some ideas too.”

It is understood WA and Tasmania are seriously considering a bid as the new AFL team the Tasmania Devils enters the league from 2028.

An AFL spokesman last night said talks would occur this year.

“The third Gather Round has been an overwhelming success across all nine matches with the AFL looking forward to coming back next year,” he said. “We will continue to have conversations with the Premier over the coming months.

“The AFL wants to thank all South Australians, and all fans from around the country, who got behind Gather Round.”

Where would you like to see it held in 2027? Have your say in the comments below.