​​Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.​

The future of AFL Gather Round in Adelaide has come into focus after South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas delivered a bold speech at a pre-event dinner on Wednesday night, just hours before the 2026 edition kicks off with Adelaide Crows facing Carlton Blues. The remarks, made in front of AFL chief Andrew Dillon and league officials at Penfolds Magill Estate, highlighted ongoing negotiations to extend South Australia’s hosting rights for the event.

Malinauskas makes strong pitch to AFL

Speaking to a crowd of more than 250 guests, Malinauskas used humour and a reference to former United States president Donald Trump to underline his desire to keep Gather Round in South Australia. The premier framed the contract discussions as a key issue for the state, drawing attention to the uncertainty surrounding the event’s long-term future.

From inside the function room, the reaction was a mix of surprise and laughter as Malinauskas delivered his remarks, which included a mock “escalatory” negotiating tactic aimed at AFL leadership. Despite the tone, the message was clear, South Australia wants to retain the event beyond its current agreement.

He later shifted to a more formal note, thanking the AFL for the impact Gather Round has had since its introduction in 2023. “Its power has been extraordinary,” Malinauskas said. “There is something very, very special about it.”

AFL acknowledges success of Gather Round

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon confirmed the league is in ongoing discussions with the South Australian government, noting the success of the concept over its first four editions. Gather Round sees all nine AFL matches played across Adelaide and regional venues, drawing significant crowds and national attention.

“South Australia has put its best foot forward over four years,” Dillon said. “All of Australia has embraced Gather Round.”

The opening match between Adelaide Crows and Carlton Blues is expected to set the tone for another high-profile weekend, with strong attendance anticipated across multiple venues. The event has become a central feature of the AFL calendar, combining competitive matches with a festival atmosphere across the city.

Future scheduling adds complexity

Dillon also pointed to upcoming structural changes in the AFL as a factor in negotiations, particularly with Tasmania set to join the competition as the 19th team. The expansion is expected to alter the fixture format, with the league considering adjustments to the number of rounds in the season.

“Gather Round is unique. It works really well in Adelaide,” Dillon said. “There’s complexity when you’re talking about an additional game that wasn’t part of the collective agreement.”

The introduction of a new team will require a revised competition structure, which could influence how Gather Round fits into future schedules. Despite this, Dillon indicated the league remains open to continuing the event in South Australia if terms can be agreed.

Decision timeline remains open

While speculation continues around a potential extension, Dillon said the AFL is not locked into a specific timeline for an announcement. “If it makes sense to do it this weekend, we’ll do it. If it takes two weeks or two months later, we’ll do that as well,” he said.

For now, the focus shifts to the field as Gather Round begins, with Adelaide once again at the centre of the AFL landscape. The outcome of negotiations between the AFL and the South Australian government will determine whether the state continues to host one of the league’s most popular innovations.