HOW good was Gather Round?
If you were able to get out to one of the many games held across Adelaide, you no doubt would have felt a buzz in the air.
The city typically comes alive in Mad March, but there was something different about this one.
This writer was in the stands for the West Coast v Geelong game on Sunday, and while we won’t talk about the final score, it was interesting as an observer to hear the different conversations going on.
People from as far away as Broken Hill had made the journey over for the festival of football.
It is great to see Adelaide get the plaudits it deserves. But amongst that, you can’t help but feel there was an opportunity that went begging.
No offence at all to our counterparts up in the Hills, but surely holding a game in the Barossa Valley would have been a no-brainer?
Granted, the ovals in the Valley weren’t deemed up to scratch by AFL officials, but what a showcase it would have been.
Imagine Shannon Hurn back in his home region, leading out his beloved West Coast.
The story writes itself. And no doubt there would have been an opportunity for Gawler to capitalise too.
Just picture it, hundreds if not thousands of mad football fans getting off the train at Gawler Central, wandering down Murray St for a gander.
The pubs would have done a roaring trade with thirsty punters looking for a quick drink before getting on a coach bound for Nuriootpa, or Tanunda, or even Angaston.
It just makes sense.
Premier Peter Malinauskas has done a fantastic job in ensuring that Gather Round will stay in Adelaide for at least the next three years.
Mr Malinauskas has made no secret for his desire to host a game in the Barossa.
Ultimately, the ball will be in the AFL’s court.
But this region can absolutely hold its own and put on one heck of a show.
What is needed is support, and if Gawler and Barossa can put their differences aside and work together, the case will be hard to ignore.
Gather Round one weekend, Barossa Vintage Festival the next. Talk about a cash injection.
Attention has now turned to next year’s event, and no doubt competition will be fierce after the success of the inaugural fixture.
To the powers that be in this region, now is the time to Gather Round the table and unite for the greater good.
