The AFL’s Gather Round: A Missed Opportunity or a Strategic Masterstroke?
The AFL’s Gather Round in Adelaide has been a hot topic lately, and not just because of the on-field action. What started as a celebration of the sport has now sparked a broader conversation about inclusivity, logistics, and the future of the event. Personally, I think this debate is about more than just where the games are played—it’s a reflection of the AFL’s evolving identity and its commitment to its growing fanbase.
The AFLW Question: A Missed Opportunity?
One thing that immediately stands out is the absence of the AFLW from Gather Round. Crows player Ebony Marinoff’s pointed question to AFL CEO Andrew Dillon on Offsiders was both timely and provocative. Why hasn’t the women’s league been part of this marquee event? Marinoff’s frustration is understandable. The AFLW has been gaining momentum, and excluding it from such a high-profile platform feels like a missed opportunity.
What many people don’t realize is that the AFLW isn’t just a side attraction—it’s a vital part of the league’s future. From my perspective, integrating AFLW into Gather Round could amplify its visibility, attract new fans, and reinforce the AFL’s commitment to gender equality. Dillon’s response about the off-season logistics is valid, but it also raises a deeper question: Are we doing enough to prioritize women’s football? If you take a step back and think about it, the AFLW players train year-round, and their inclusion could be a game-changer.
Adelaide’s Case for Keeping Gather Round
The push to keep Gather Round in Adelaide is gaining traction, and it’s not hard to see why. Premier Peter Malinauskas is lobbying hard for a five-year extension, and fans from across the country seem to agree. West Coast supporters Paul Smith and Luke Johns summed it up perfectly: “Victoria gets Gather Round every weekend. Adelaide feels like the right fit.”
What makes this particularly fascinating is the geographical advantage Adelaide offers. It’s accessible for fans from Western Australia and Victoria, making it a natural meeting point for the AFL community. The $8 million investment in local facilities over the past three years also underscores South Australia’s commitment to the event. But here’s the kicker: while Adelaide has been a great host, the AFL’s hesitation to commit long-term suggests they’re weighing other options. Could Tasmania or Perth be next in line?
The Broader Implications: What’s at Stake?
If you ask me, the Gather Round debate is about more than just location—it’s about the AFL’s identity and its ability to adapt to a changing landscape. The league has always been Victoria-centric, but as the sport grows nationally, so must its flagship events. The inclusion of AFLW and the choice of host city are both tests of the AFL’s willingness to evolve.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the psychological impact of these decisions. Fans want to feel included, and the AFLW’s exclusion sends a message—intentional or not—that women’s football is still secondary. Similarly, moving Gather Round to a new city could alienate fans who’ve grown accustomed to Adelaide’s hospitality. What this really suggests is that the AFL needs to strike a balance between innovation and tradition.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Gather Round?
As the AFL and South Australian government negotiate, one thing is clear: Gather Round is here to stay, but its future shape is far from certain. Personally, I think the AFL should seize this moment to rethink the event’s structure. Why not extend it to include AFLW matches? Why not rotate it between cities to build national engagement?
In my opinion, the AFL has a golden opportunity to redefine Gather Round as more than just a series of games—it could be a celebration of the entire sport, men’s and women’s alike. The question is, will they take it?
Final Thoughts
Gather Round is more than an event; it’s a symbol of the AFL’s ambitions and challenges. The debate over its future is a microcosm of the league’s broader struggles with inclusivity, logistics, and identity. As a fan and commentator, I’m excited to see how this unfolds. But one thing is certain: the AFL can’t afford to get this wrong. The stakes are too high, and the opportunities too great.
