The AFL’s annual festival of footy in South Australia could head to the City of Onkaparinga for the first time in the coming years after an announcement by the state government today.
The AFL and the South Australian Government have today extended their partnership for 3 years, which will see Gather Round remain in SA until at least 2029.
While Premier Peter Malinauskas said there’s no stipulation in the contract for a game in the McLaren Vale region, he said they’re keeping their options open when it comes to introducing new venues.
The announcement follows years of advocacy from the council, the South Adelaide Football Club and footy-mad southern suburbs communities.
City of Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were said bringing Gather Round to the south would be a big win for SA.
“Onkaparinga is home to 10 per cent of South Australia’s people, many of them footy mad, and games here would deliver benefits for tourism and our local economy,” she said.
“The McLaren Vale and Fleurieu Coast showcases what’s best about our region, and it’s the only place in Australia where stunning coastline meets an internationally recognised wine region within 40 minutes of a capital city.
“Having the AFL coming to town would see these iconic places broadcast to a national audience, and we’re keen to support activations around any Gather Round events to ensure a vibrant and memorable experience for everyone.
“We’ll continue discussing plans with the state government and advocating for a Gather Round presence that attracts people to our region, whether that’s trainings, events, other activations or games in future.”
The City of Onkaparinga is home to more than 5,000 players and, South Adelaide aside, it’s also home to the 1886-established Southern Football League (SFL), with 10 SFL-affiliated clubs – several that are more than 100 years old – and other clubs that compete in separate SANFL-affiliated leagues.
The region has produced football stars such as Port Adelaide guns, Jason Horne-Francis and Indy Tahau; exciting young Adelaide Crow, Sid Draper; and Brisbane Lions and Collingwood hero, Craig McRae. It's also home to the 4-time premiership winning South Adelaide Football Club women's team.