SANFL v VFL rivalry to return in 2024 as part of AFL Gather Round

The South Australia v Victoria football rivalry is set to be reignited with the SANFL to play the VFL in a state league clash for the first time in eight years during 2024 AFL Gather Round.

South Australia’s fierce state football rivalry with Victoria is about to be reignited.

While State of Origin contests between the states have been on the backburner since 1999, the SANFL will play the VFL in a state league clash in Adelaide during next season’s AFL Gather Round Festival from April 4-7.

A date and venue (likely to be at a SANFL club ground) is yet to be confirmed but it will be the first time the SANFL has played the ‘Big V’ since 2016, when a Graham Cornes-coached SA triumphed by 19 points at Adelaide Oval.

The VFL hasn’t played state representative football since.

No SANFL home-and-away season matches will be programmed for the round, despite the season starting the week before.

In a strong incentive for SANFL players, they will next year get the chance to play in two state games, with SA still continuing its annual interstate clash against Western Australia.

South Australia’s Andrew Bradley tries to break the tackle of Victoria’s Willie Wheeler in the last SANFL-VFL clash at Adelaide Oval in 2016. Picture: Tom Huntley

After four consecutive wins against the Sandgropers, the SANFL will play the WAFL in Perth in May.

SANFL executive general manager football Matt Duldig said the SANFL-VFL clash would provide a unique opportunity to showcase state league talent on a national stage as part of AFL Gather Round.

“We are thrilled to see the return of a SANFL versus VFL match for the first time since

2016 – and to play it during Gather Round provides a fantastic experience for the best

players of the Hostplus SANFL League,” Duldig said.

“To reignite a rivalry that dates back to the late 1800s is really exciting and to do it over Gather Round, when football is on show in SA, will be a treat for footy lovers from

all over the country.”

The SANFL has won six of its past seven contests against the VFL, with its loss being at Adelaide Oval in 2002.

In their last clash in 2016, SA captain Zane Kirkwood starred for the Croweaters to win his second Fos Williams Medal while Willie Rioli and Brett Eddy both kicked four goals in the 16.10 (106) to 13.9 (87) victory.

SA captain Zane Kirkwood kicks a goal in his best afield performance against the VFL when the states last met at Adelaide Oval in 2016. Picture: Tom Huntley

AFL head of state leagues Jennie Loughnan described the return of the SA-Victoria rivalry as “really exciting’’.

“Having a VFL versus SANFL state league representative game back on the calendar in

2024 is really exciting for the competition and the VFL-listed players in contention for

selection,’’ she said.

“It gives the best players in the VFL the opportunity to aspire to wear the famous ‘Big

V’ jumper and showcase their talent on a weekend where all AFL clubs will be in South

Australia for Gather Round, with AFL recruiters watching on.

“I thank the SANFL for working with us and acknowledge the VFL clubs who have thrown their support behind the concept.’’

The 2024 SANFL league men’s and women’s fixtures will be released on Wednesday.