AFL Gather Round 2024: Barossa Valley poised to miss out again in favour of a return to the Adelaide Hills

Tanunda appeared to be in the box seat to host a game in next year’s AFL Gather Round – but things have changed, with Mount Barker likely to host two matches instead.

The Barossa Valley is poised to again miss out on hosting a game during the AFL’s upcoming Gather Round.

SA Premier Peter Malinauskas has pushed hard for the tourist region to stage a match in 2024 but AFL officials are planning to overlook its most suitable oval, Tanunda, for the April showcase.

Instead, the football festival is set to return to Mount Barker next year.

Although the Gather Round venues have not been locked in for 2024, it is understood a decision has all but been made to stick with the same ones: Adelaide Oval, the Hills and Norwood.

Tanunda had appeared in the box seat to stage a match, but its redevelopment timeline had proven a hurdle for the AFL.

The Brisbane-North Melbourne clash was a hit in Mount Barker in April. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

Work to lengthen and resurface Tanunda Recreation Park only began early last week, slated to be completed in January.

Other Barossa ovals have been deemed unsuitable.

AFL officials view Mount Barker as a safe pair of hands after its stellar job hosting the event’s sole regional game – North Melbourne versus Brisbane – at Summit Sport and Recreation Park six months ago.

The Adelaide Hills ground’s pristine playing surface helped boost its case.

McLaren Vale, in the heart of the wine region an hour south of Adelaide, was given strong consideration before being overlooked.

The AFL and State Government are expected to confirm the 2024 venues this month.

To freshen up Gather Round in 2025, they are tipped to lock in Tanunda in the same announcement, while North Adelaide’s Prospect Oval also looms if it can upgrade its lights.

Mount Barker is expected to host two matches next year, one on Saturday and the other on Sunday.

The redevelopment timeline at Tanunda had proven a hurdle for the AFL. Picture: Matt Turner

Meaning the Barossa is poised to miss out on Gather Round in 2024. Picture: Matt Turner

Norwood will again be the only SANFL ground to stage games and is slated to hold onto its Friday twilight fixture, as well as a weekend clash.

Adelaide Oval would likely have five matches, down from six in 2023, including one double-header, rather than the two it had this year.

The AFL and State Government said the Gather Round venues were yet to be finalised.

“Both the State Government and the AFL are keen on a game in the Barossa, it is just a question of whether it is in 2024 or 2025,” a government spokesman said.

AFL spokesman Jay Allen said: “The fixture and venues for the 2024 Gather Round ... will be communicated in due course once locked in”.

In April, the AFL awarded SA the hosting rights for Gather Round until at least 2026.

Originally published as AFL Gather Round 2024: Barossa Valley poised to miss out again in favour of a return to the Adelaide Hills