The ODFA sets the stage for a thrilling season including Tasmania’s first official Gather Round

A Gather Round, night games, Anzac clashes and grand final rematch will be the highlights of the ODFA’s 2025 season.

Bothwell's Will Campbell playing in the 2024 ODFA Grand Final on August 17, 2024. Picture: Linda Higginson/Solstice Digital.

The ODFA expects a bumper crowd for the state’s first ever Gather Round at Campania on April 12 while reigning premier Bothwell will get to unfurl its premiership flag before the grand final rematch with Triabunna at Bothwell in round two.

The ODFA will make Tasmanian football history this season when it becomes the first football competition in the state to hold an official Gather Round.

The thriving country competition opens its season on April 12 with all six teams converging on Campania Oval for the event.

Triabunna and Campania kick off the season with their game at 11.30am, followed by big improver Oatlands against Woodsdale at 2pm.

Mount Pleasant starts its 2025 campaign against the defending champion Bothwell in a game that will finish under lights, kicking off at 4.30pm.

Another highlight of the season is Bothwell’s clash with Campania under lights at Campania oval in round three, and a full complement of games for the Anzac Round on April 26.

“The lights at Campania are great,” said ODFA president Brian O’Reilly.

“It’s one of two grounds where we can have night games, the other being Oatlands, because they are the only ones to have lights good enough.

“Bothwell will get to raise their flag the weekend after Easter _ normally it’s the first round but because of the Gather Round it’s a Bothwell in round two.

“Both teams will be very competitive again this season.”

Woodsdale, which now owns its home ground at Woodsdale, will continue playing its “home” games at Kempton until a refurbishment of its facilities is complete.

The grand final is scheduled for August 23, avoiding a clash with one other major football events.