The Tasmania Dilemma: Can South Australia Secure the Long-Term Future of Gather Round?
As the AFL’s Gather Round enters its fourth installment, a high-stakes negotiation is unfolding behind the scenes. While the event has become a cornerstone of the football calendar, the impending arrival of the league’s 19th team in Tasmania is creating significant logistical hurdles that could reshape the future of the round in South Australia.
The current three-year agreement that keeps Gather Round in South Australia is set to expire this weekend. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas is aggressively pushing for a renewed, long-term agreement that extends well beyond 2026, emphasizing that the state has “place its best foot forward” over the last four years. However, a formal announcement is unlikely to happen immediately, as both the state government and the AFL prioritize a “win-win” arrangement over a rushed deal.
The “Tasmania Factor” and Fixture Complexity
The primary sticking point in these negotiations is the entry of the Tasmania Devils into the competition in 2028. According to AFL CEO Andrew Dillon, the addition of a 19th team introduces a layer of “complexity” to the league’s structure.
Gather Round was originally introduced as an additional 23rd game on the AFL calendar. However, the mathematics of a competition with an uneven number of teams (19) and an even number of matches creates a fixture puzzle. To resolve this, the AFL will be forced to either:
- Reduce the season back to 22 matches; or
- Increase the schedule to 24 matches.
This structural shift means the very foundation of Gather Round—as an “extra” game—must be re-evaluated to fit within the new competition framework.
Potential Fixture Chaos: Two Games in Five Days?
The logistical strain of integrating Tasmania has led to radical speculation regarding the 2028 fixture. Reports suggest that Adelaide could potentially play two games during the 2028 Gather Round to accommodate the new team’s entrance into the league.
Beyond the Tasmania issue, the AFL is as well managing interest from other states. The overwhelming success of the concept in South Australia has made Gather Round an attractive prospect for other regions, adding further pressure on Malinauskas to lock in a secure, long-term contract.
Key Takeaways: The Future of Gather Round
- Contract Status: The initial three-year deal for South Australia expires after this weekend.
- The 2028 Shift: Tasmania’s entry as the 19th team forces a move from 23 games to either 22 or 24.
- Negotiation Goals: Premier Malinauskas is seeking a long-term extension, while AFL CEO Andrew Dillon is managing the “complexity” of the new league structure.
- Fixture Impact: There is potential for “fixture chaos,” including the possibility of teams like Adelaide playing twice in one Gather Round.
Looking Ahead
While Premier Malinauskas has joked about locking Gather Round into South Australia for the next 20 years, the reality depends on the AFL’s ability to solve the 19-team mathematical puzzle. For now, the focus remains on the immediate success of the current round, with officials bullish that interstate visitor numbers will match or exceed previous records. The ultimate goal remains a sustainable agreement that preserves the spirit of the event while adapting to the league’s expansion.