Gather Round is here! Didn’t manage to snag a ticket? Don’t worry, there are still ways you can see your AFL heroes up close this weekend. Check out our guide.
Ever dreamed of snapping a selfie with Isaac Heeney, saying hi to Marcus Bontempelli, or scoring Charlie Curnow’s autograph on your guernsey?
Of course, you can see your favourite stars in action during game-time. But AFL Gather Round also gives you front-row access to footy legends – no ticket required!
It’s the only time of the year all 18 AFL teams are together in one place – and they’re right here in SA.
Even better, their pre-game training sessions are open to everyone. Watch your heroes in action during the Captain’s Run, then grab priceless selfies and signatures afterwards. (Pro tip: BYO Sharpie!)
Want to know exactly when and where your team is training? We’ve got you covered – check out the full schedule below.
Wednesday, 9 April
- St Kilda Saints – Norwood FC, 11:30am-12:45pm
- Geelong Cats – Woodville-West Torrens FC, 3:30-4:30pm
- Adelaide Crows – North Adelaide FC, 4:30pm-6pm
Thursday, 10 April
- Collingwood Magpies– West Adelaide FC, 3:30-4:30pm
- Sydney Swans – Sturt FC, 4-5pm
Friday, 11 April
- North Melbourne Kangaroos– Barossa Park, 9-10am
- Gold Coast Suns – Barossa Park, 11am-12pm
- Western Bulldogs – Norwood FC, 11am-12pm
- West Coast Eagles – Sturt FC, 11:30am-12:30pm
- Brisbane Lions – Norwood FC, 3-3.45pm
- Carlton Blues – Glenelg FC, 3-4pm
- Melbourne Demons– West Adelaide FC, 3:30-4:30pm
Saturday, 12 April
- GWS Giants – Norwood FC, 9-10am
- Richmond Tigers – Glenelg FC, 9-11am
- Port Adelaide Power– Port Adelaide, 10:15-11:30am
- Fremantle Dockers– Tanunda Main Oval, 11am-12pm
- Hawthorn Hawks– Woodville-West Torrens FC, 3-4:30pm
- TBC: Essendon Bombers
There are also free clinics being held for kids aged 5-12, where they can have a kick and share the field with AFL players. Book here.
Game On: What’s new for Gather Round 2025
Footy fever is about to hit SA! Gather Round, first launched in 2023, will take over Adelaide and regional SA from 10-13 April.
This year, there are some exciting changes, with an expansion to Australia’s most famous wine region and a next-level events line-up. Plus transport this year has been made easy, simple and free for match-ticket holders.
Last year alone, Gather Round pumped more than $91 million into SA’s economy, attracted 45,000 interstate visitors and supported more than 650 local jobs. And in 2025, it looks set to smash those records out of the park.
The Barossa gets its footy moment
History is being made at Barossa Park in Lyndoch, as it hosts its first-ever AFL matches at Gather Round 2025. The new $45-million facility boasts AFL-standard ovals, slick spectator areas, food trucks, and wine pop-ups from local legends.
Getting there couldn’t be easier, thanks to dedicated shuttle buses from Adelaide’s Macca’s Footy Festival, extra trains to Gawler Station with shuttle bus connections to the oval, and Uber now operating across the Barossa, Adelaide Plains and Light region.
Once you’re there, hop aboard the free Bounce Around the Barossa bus service, which stops at more than 45 local wineries, cafés, and markets, departing from either Gawler Station or the Barossa Visitor Centre – perfect for brunch before the game or winding down afterwards.
Best of the Barossa
The free, family-friendly Barossa Park Live Site boasts big-screen AFL action, tasty food vendors, live DJs, kids’ entertainment, and the thrilling inaugural Gather Round Sprint to find SA’s fastest community footy player.
The Barossa Food & Wine Village will transform Tanunda into a lively street party filled with gourmet stalls and entertainment. Kies Family Wines’ Gather in the Barossa brings live music, big-screen footy, and even helicopter rides over the vineyards.
Bring a blanket and relax with mates at Tanunda Recreation Park for Picnic in the Park: Richmond vs Fremantle on the big screen, plenty of delicious local eats, plus the Barossa Makers & Beyond Market.
Gather Round lights up Adelaide
The city centre becomes one giant party zone for Gather Round. The massive Macca’s Footy Festival is back at Elder Park, complete with its iconic ziplines, food trucks, player appearances (if you miss them at training, try here!), and concerts. Nearby, Game Day at Home Ground serves up footy, live music, craft beers and more.
Live at the Drive will also become a vibrant hub – just steps from all the AFL action. Enjoy the sounds and tastes of SA, with live music performances from top local talent and a curated selection of the state’s best food and drink.
Don’t miss Gilbert Place, transformed into Home Base, a vibrant laneway party with footy-inspired cocktails, DJs, and a fantastic atmosphere.
Get In On It @ Rundle Mall brings footy fun, interactive games, live DJs, and player appearances right to the city’s heart.
Sunday wraps up in style at Norwood Food & Wine Festival on The Parade – perfect for foodies who prefer their footy served with gourmet bites, premium wines, celebrity chefs, and live music. ARIA award-winners Birds of Tokyo will end the night on a high, bringing their biggest hits to the main festival stage.
No ticket? No worries
Missed out on match tickets? SA’s festival of footy isn’t limited to the stadium! Grab your mates and join the viewing party at your local pub. Stand-out spots around Adelaide include Alma Tavern’s beer garden, The Strath on North Tce, or SkyCity Adelaide’s The District.
Families will love the big screens and festive atmosphere at Macca’s Footy Festival in Elder Park or the Barossa Park Live Site. Meanwhile, regional favourites like McLaren Vale Hotel and various Barossa wineries are also hosting viewing parties to keep the AFL action going strong.
Gather Round pro tips
- Wear your team’s colours in the Barossa to score complimentary tastings at Krondorf, Kaesler, and Lou Miranda Estate wineries – plus, Grounded Cru will treat you to a free gourmet BBQ.
- Need inspiration for where to fuel up before the game or debrief afterwards? Check out these guides to Adelaide’s best brunch spots and top restaurants.
- Want iconic snaps for your socials? Capture golden-hour selfies among the Barossa’s famous vineyards, soar above Elder Park on the zipline, or strike a pose with the giant inflatable footy in Rundle Mall.
- Follow your team’s socials for last-minute updates and exclusive player appearance info, and arrive early at training sessions to beat the crowds.
- Leave your car behind – your match ticket includes free Footy Express Bus services across Adelaide.
For more information on all things AFL Gather Round 2025, click here.
