Guns at the footy: Gather Round security to be beefed up after MCG scare

A security review will be launched ahead of Gather Round, in the wake of a terrifying incident at the MCG where two footy fans were allegedly caught with smuggled weapons.

The Police Minister and Police Commissioner have confirmed security arrangements ahead of Gather Round will be reviewed in response to a significant security failure at the MCG, where two men allegedly smuggled loaded guns into the ground on Thursday night.

With record crowds expected for next week’s Gather Round, Police Commissioner Grant Stevens and Police Minister Mr Mullighan confirmed they would “strengthen” security in response to the major MCG mishap.

“We are making sure that if there’s any opportunities to strengthen what we do based on learning from the MCG incident, we will take those into account,” Mr Stevens said.

“But I am confident we have measures in place that will ensure the safety of patrons.”

South Australian Police Commissioner Grant Stevens was “confident” of the safety of Gather Round attendees. Picture: Supplied

There will be a “strengthened” security process at Adelaide Oval in the wake of the MCG gun scare. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

Last year’s Gather Round drew massive crowds. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“There are already very significant arrangements for all fixtures,” Mr Mullighan said.

“There will be an assessment as to whether there needs to be any improvements.”

Smaller venues such as Barossa Park and Norwood Oval will also host matches for Gather Round.

Norwood Football Club chief executive James Fantasia described the security company used at Norwood as “very reputable”.

“I am very confident about our security measures,” Mr Fantasia said.

“We will work closely with the AFL, if there’s any change in protocols we will respond accordingly.”

Security protocols across all venues are expected to be the same, with Norwood Oval implementing patron inspections, increased security in and around the ground and the use of metal detector wands.

Norwood Oval hosted a clash in the 2024 Gather Round. Norwood Football Club chief James Fantasia was “confident” about the ground’s security measures for 2025. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon described Thursday night’s incident as “extremely disappointing”, laying the blame on the MCG security guards – rather than security-screening technology.

“Overnight the MCG worked to identify how the two men were able to enter the venue, which concluded that security personnel failed to do a thorough follow-up search of the patrons after an alert from the entry point screening system,” Mr Dillon said.

Andrew Dillon is “extremely disappointed” over the MCG gun incident. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

The MCG security failure has left players and fans shaken, with the associations representing each party speaking out after the event.

“Every person who attends an AFL match, including the players, staff, and fans, deserve to do so knowing there are effective measures in place to protect their health and safety,” AFL Players Association chief executive Paul Marsh said.

“What occurred at the MCG last night is extremely concerning and frankly unacceptable.”

“If any adjustments need to be made to security checks at all grounds, fans will certainly accommodate,” AFL Fans Association president Ron Issko said.

“We have the best game and fans in the world and fans should feel safe to attend AFL matches without being worried about being exposed to guns.”

The two men allegedly caught with the smuggled weapons, Omar Salma, 21, and Mohamad Noori, 27, received a lifetime AFL ban and appeared at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday morning.

Originally published as Guns at the footy: Gather Round security to be beefed up after MCG scare