2026 AFL GATHER ROUND TICKETS

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Festival of Footy returns to South Australia for the Third edition of AFL's Gather Round, a round in which all 18 clubs compete for premiership points across the state.

The round kicks off with the local Adelaide Crows hosting the Geelong Cats in what will be a cracking Thursday Night at what is sure to be a sold out Adelaide Oval.

Friday Night sees premiership contenders the Collingwood Magpies and the Sydney Swans do battle on centre stage, in a match which is sure to ignite fans of both sides. An agonising last gasp loss for the 'Pies at the end of the 2024 season, will leave them with a bit of fire in the belly as they look to have a fast start to the season.

The carnival kicks into full gear on Saturday, as the Carlton Blues meet the West Coast Eagles, as star forward Matt Owies takes on his former club for the first time. Barossa Park will play host to. its first AFL game as the North Melbourne Kangaroos meet the Gold Coast Suns whilst Norwood Oval returns to the spotlight again as the Western Bulldogs meet the Brisbane Lions, a blockbuster in waiting. Under lights at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday Night will see the Essendon Bombers and Melbourne Demons tussle.

Sunday sees the Richmond Tigers play "host" to the Fremantle Dockers in the Barossa as well as the St.Kilda Saints and the GWS Giants going head to head in the heart of Norwood.

And then the big one. The big finale. The one which sparked a great deal of controversy following Port Adelaide's thrilling semi final win over the Hawthorn Hawks in 2024, sees them meet again. The Ken Hinkley and James Sicily exchange will be at the forefront of everyone's minds as our attention turns to a pure grudge match, with the Hawks aiming to get one back on a fellow finals aspirant.

Gather Round Dates 2026

10 - 13th April, 2026 (Round 5)

Secure AFL resale Tickets to Australia’s most anticipated sporting event here at Ticket Merchant. For more information, check out our comprehensive FAQ section.

What is the history and significance of the AFL Gather Round?

The Gather Round was introduced as a fresh concept in the AFL calendar to elevate the match-day experience beyond the traditional game. Its launch marked the league’s commitment to creating an event that’s as much about celebrating community and culture as it is about the sport.

How does the Gather Round bring together all AFL teams for one weekend?

Instead of the traditional spread-out match fixtures, the Gather Round features a schedule where multiple games take place over the course of the weekend. This means that fans get to see several teams in action, often with overlapping matches that highlight diverse playing styles and rivalries—all in one setting. Beyond the on-field action, the Gather Round is packed with off-field attractions such as live music, food markets, interactive fan zones, and player meet-and-greets.

It’s a day to enjoy a great time with family and friends! Get your ticket with Ticket Merchant now so you don’t miss out!

Where will the 2026 AFL Gather Round games be held?

The Gather Round has and always been held in South Australia. For Round 5 of the AFl season in 2026, games will be scattered across different venues in South Australia for thousands of fans to enjoy. Expect an amazing footy experience, from world-class on field action to all your favourite AFL teams in one state. Talk about a weekend! Get your refundable resale tickets here.

How can I buy tickets for multiple games during the Gather Round?

You can get your tickets with Ticket Merchant today. Make sure you place your order with us now before they’re all sold out. 

What are the key matchups to watch in the 2026 Gather Round?

Keymatchups are always out and about at Gather Round. We’ll be watching the Crows vs Geelong's Cats and the Bulldogs vs Lions very closely this year. 

What makes the AFL Gather Round a must-attend event in 2026?

If you’re a footy fan, you don’t want to miss this. Watching a game during the festival surrounded by hard-core footy fans always makes the stadium a great place to be that weekend. Feel the ambience up close and support your favourite teams from the stands!