Optus Stadium, Leederville Oval, Hands Oval put hand up to host Gather Round if WA can prise it from South Australia
Western Australia is sick of feeling left out, writes ELIZA REILLY. But could that soon change? Here’s what the state’s bold pitch to prise Gather Round from South Australia could look like.
AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
They have Adelaide Oval. We have Optus Stadium.
They have the Mall’s Balls. We have the Bell Tower.
They have Gather Round. We want it.
Western Australia is sick of feeling left out.
Out of sight and largely out of mind, Perth has been forced to watch on as the AFL has gifted major events to other states.
Melbourne gets the grand final every year. Opening Round was created for the benefit of New South Wales and Queensland. Gather Round, despite a hopeful, half-swing from the WA government, was awarded to South Australia.
But now, as the only viable alternative until Tasmania enters the competition, WA is eyeing off the AFL’s road show when the Croweaters’ hosting rights expire at the end of 2026.
“We like long-term partnerships, but that doesn’t mean we can’t look at other opportunities around the country,” was AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon’s response when asked about speculation other states would be keen to prise Gather Round from South Australia.
Combined with Dillon and South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas insisting no extension announcement is likely this weekend, the door is ajar for another state to seduce the AFL.
Once considered as stale as it is isolated, Perth is quickly forging a reputation as a desirable destination for major events. And Gather Round is next on the list.
“The Western Australian Government actively works to secure a range of major and exclusive events that drive visitation, elevate WA on a global stage and generate significant media coverage for our state,” Tourism Minister Reece Whitby told this masthead. “Individual event negotiations are commercial in confidence, however, we’re proud to have a great working relationship with the AFL.
“We’re always assessing new content to add to our always-on year-round events calendar, to ensure there’s always a reason to visit Western Australia and affirm our reputation as the fastest growing events destination in the South East Asia region.”
Seven of the nine games are already sold out while last year’s Gather Round generated more than $90 million for the South Australian economy, with 90 extra flights into Adelaide Airport added for this year’s event.
Any state government would want in on that. But the weekend would be about celebrating Western Australia’s rich history as a footy heartland.
If Gather Round were to land in Perth, Optus Stadium could host the bulk of the games, with the Burswood precinct the perfect site for activations and festivities.
Adelaide Oval is set to host five of the nine games this year, with one on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday night as well as an early afternoon fixture between Carlton and West Coast on Saturday.
While it had its turf concerns last year, Optus Stadium said it would be capable of hosting a high volume of games.
“Optus Stadium’s turf curators work hard throughout the year to ensure a quality playing surface is provided for players and officials of all sporting codes including AFL, cricket, rugby league and union and football (soccer), while managing the turf through concerts and other events that bring fans to this multi-purpose venue,” a spokesperson said. “If WA was successful in winning a Gather Round bid, specific strategies would be deployed pre-season to ensure the turf could perform during the Gather Round and for the rest of the season.”
The success of Gather Round hinges on the suitability of second-tier venues to share the load.
With a capacity of 10,000, Norwood Oval has been that for Adelaide. And Leederville Oval is Perth’s answer.
Last year, the venue hosted 6047 fans at the AFLW derby between West Coast and Fremantle when Optus Stadium was unavailable. Nearly 17,000 punters watched the 2022 WAFL grand final between West Perth and Claremont.
Leederville Oval has also hosted pre-season AFL games and the last Indigenous All Stars clash back in 2015 before the concept was revived earlier this year.
City of Vincent Mayor Alison Xamon said that Leederville “ticks all the boxes.”
“I will be doing everything I can to work with the state government to bring Gather Round to WA,” Xamon said. “It’s something that the City of Vincent would embrace, particularly as we continue to ensure that Leederville Oval becomes the premier tier two oval in Western Australia.
“It could do it now. We already host big games and that’s before all of the recent upgrades.
“On Good Friday, we will be turning on for the first time our 1000 lux lights which are broadcast quality. We’ve got brand new turf and more money coming in for further upgrades.
“It’s got so much history. It’s located next to public transport and there’s a vibrant town centre next door. And you’ve got a council that is very keen to get behind this.”
Regional WA is also keen to get in on the action.
The South West, specifically Bunbury’s Hands Oval, was earmarked as the regional home of Gather Round when WA pitched for it three years ago.
And that was before a multimillion-dollar redevelopment that will see the venue host its first AFL clash for premiership points between North Melbourne and West Coast in June.
South Australia might be staging two games at Barossa Park. But South West Football League president Barry Tate said Bunbury would embrace Gather Round.
“Our expectations are still the same,” Tate said. “South Australia does it really well as we know.
“But if and when they share it around, we’re ready to go. There’s a real appetite.
“Everyone is impressed with the facility. West Coast said it is the best country football ground they’ve played on.
“There’s been a real buzz already. After the pre-season practice game, North Melbourne sold 500 memberships the next day. And the June fixture between West Coast and North Melbourne sold out in 18 minutes.
“It doesn’t matter who it is, the region would support it.
“With the new direct flights (from Melbourne and Sydney) to Busselton airport and what the region has to offer, the South West is opening up. The secret’s out.”
Tate added there has been interest from other sporting codes in bringing national and international sports to Bunbury.
“There’s other things in the pipeline,” he said.
Originally published as Optus Stadium, Leederville Oval, Hands Oval put hand up to host Gather Round if WA can prise it from South Australia
Triple treat for SuperCoaches as DPPs locked in
The game is about to change. SuperCoaches have been given a triple treat of forward premiums, while plenty of rookies have also found another home. See the full DPP list.
The Ambush at Adelaide: Power adds new spice to rivalry
Hawthorn came into Sunday’s clash ready to make a statement – both to the competition and to their hated Port Adelaide rivals. However, they were completely ambushed by Port Adelaide.