Overview
- AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon and South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas announced on Thursday a three-year agreement that will keep Gather Round in South Australia through the 2029 edition.
- This year’s festival attracted more than 270,000 fans, and past editions have driven large economic returns with a reported $113 million impact in 2025 and a combined contribution of about $285 million since 2023.
- The AFL has confirmed a new free player parade will be added in 2027, and local reports say organisers are planning an AFL Hall of Fame function and have discussed a possible grand-final replay though those extras are not yet finalised.
- The extension gives the state time to pursue new sites such as McLaren Vale to broaden Gather Round beyond Adelaide, Norwood and the Barossa, and the league has said it will announce 2027 dates and venues in the coming months.
- A practical challenge remains for fixtures after the Tasmania Devils join in 2028, because a 19-team competition will force the AFL to change match scheduling or format to accommodate Gather Round.