Gather Round 2024: Mount Barker again provided a carnival atmosphere at an AFL ground unlike any other

The SA government has made no secret its preference was the Barossa over Mount Barker but the Hills venue has done everything it can to keep itself in the 2025 Gather Round conversation.

Adelaide Hills locals are hopeful Mount Barker can split regional Gather Round games with the Barossa Valley next year.

On Monday, the State Government is expected to announce that the footy festival is heading to South Australia’s famous wine region, 75km north of the CBD, and be held at Lyndoch Recreation Park in 2025.

Lyndoch’s grounds are soon-to-be redeveloped into a $42m sporting precinct similar to Mount Barker.

Mount Barker could still hold onto one game despite logistic difficulties in staging regional matches in two locations.

Speaking at the clash between Sydney and West Coast at Mount Barker’s Summit Sport and Recreation Park on Saturday, local mayor David Leach told this masthead he was unsure what was in store.

He said his council was grateful to host these past two years and would support the Barossa Valley through its turn.

Mount Barker turned it on for Gather Round again on Saturday. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“The problem (in staging games in both regions) is this infrastructure that gets bumped in and out, they haven’t got two sets lying around,” Leach said.

“I’m hoping my council can get some grants from government and things like the extra facilities here.

“Let them build it now because in 20 years this council is going to be twice the size and you’re going to need it anyway.

“It will go to the Barossa as time goes by but what we’re going to do is say to them ‘this is what worked, this is what didn’t, this is a tiny detail, this is our detail, knock yourselves out’.”

Mayo MP Rebekha Sharkie was adamant Gather Round needed to remain in the Hills.

“You can’t just have the only regional game be in the Barossa, as much as I love the Barossa,” Sharkie said.

“We’re regional but we’re also accessible by public transport, we have so much around here … and there’s a lot visitors want to see in the Adelaide Hills.”

After hosting one match during last year’s inaugural Gather Round, Mount Barker received a second game this season – Gold Coast against GWS on Sunday.

If these are the Adelaide Hills’ last AFL matches for at least 12 months, the region is going out with a bang.

9,225 fans turned out to see Sydney’s win over West Coast. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos

Will footy return to the Adelaide Hills next year? Picture: Phil Hillyard

Summit Sport and Recreation Park was buzzing for what seemed a lopsided contest on paper between premiership contender Sydney and reigning wooden-spooner West Coast.

With the capacity increased from last year’s 7000 to 10,000, a crowd of 9225 provided a carnival atmosphere at an AFL ground unlike any other.

One that was a sheep paddock just over four years ago.

And the plucky Eagles looked poised for a Hills heist, leading by five points at half-time.

Fans flocked to the expanded local food and beverage area, known as the Terrace, at the ground’s southern end, where supporters took in the action either standing or sitting on the hill, or from zebra-striped lounge chairs under sails.

Wade Villani, from Hills restaurant Lot 100, said Gather Round had been fantastic for the community.

“We’ve noticed we’ve had families from Queensland, Western Australia, Tassie all coming over,” said Villani, a Mount Barker resident.

“It’s a different vibe here to the city and if you’re coming out here, you’re looking for something different.”

Villani said the Barossa Valley had its own charm so he would be happy for it to receive a game as long as Mount Barker retained one.

“I’m biased but I think we need to have it here,” he said.

“A lot of money’s been invested in these grounds alone with the hopes we’d get games continuing.

“I’d love to see it out in the Barossa, but having it here is priceless for the community.”

Nick Blakey in action on Saturday. Picture: James Elsby/Getty Images

The Eagles faded in the second half, losing by 26 points.

West Coast fan Natalie Mitchell, who flew from Perth with her children Kyan and Orlando, was really pleased with her side’s fight.

The family was set to attend six matches this weekend.

“Adelaide Oval last night was great, but this regional ground is more family-orientated and the food’s more affordable,” Mitchell said.

“I’ve been to the Barossa Valley before and going there would be a fantastic wine, footy experience but it might be harder to get to other grounds.”

Although the Eagles did not win, locals would have been thrilled to see Piccadilly product Loch Rawlinson come in during the second quarter in his debut game.

Rawlinson, who started as the substitute, got the crowd excited when he had a set shot in the last quarter, but he missed the goal.

Sydney fan Joey Ross, who came from the Harbour City for Gather Round, said of the day: “It’s been pretty awesome to look out past the footy and see these rolling Adelaide Hills”.

“I’d also come to a game in the Barossa – it’s been a hoot.”

Originally published as Gather Round 2024: Mount Barker again provided a carnival atmosphere at an AFL ground unlike any other