AFL Gather Round to leave fans 'raving'

AFL executive Travis Auld has guaranteed the inaugural Gather Round will be such a success that it will leave fans "raving".

Adelaide and Carlton will kick off the Gather Round in Adelaide in April when all 18 teams converge on the city for round five.

Dubbed 'Gather Round for A Festival of Footy', clubs will play nine matches over four days at three different venues, with the Crows and Blues first-up on Thursday, April 13 at Adelaide Oval.

Adelaide Oval is the centrepiece of the round, hosting six matches including double-headers on Saturday and Sunday, while Norwood Oval will host two matches.

Fremantle and Gold Coast will play a Friday twilight game at the home of the reigning SANFL premiers the 'Redlegs', while GWS and Hawthorn will meet there on Sunday afternoon.

Brisbane and North Melbourne will play in the Adelaide Hills (Summit Sports and Recreation Park, Mount Barker) on Saturday afternoon.

Fans have been split about the name 'Gather Round'.

But while the name might not please everyone, Auld is convinced fans will rate the festival of football as a huge success.

"To be honest, the event makes the name, the name doesn't make the event," Auld said.

"I guarantee you (that by) Sunday, 16th of April next year, people will be raving about the Gather Round."

Auld wouldn't be drawn on where the round would be held in 2024.

"I'm keen to get through this one (first)," Auld said. 

"This is pretty big for us. It's not a decision we took lightly. When we do these things, we want to do a good job of it.

"So I think you'll see us pretty focused over the next four and a bit months to delivery this and do a good job of it.

"Make South Australians proud, make AFL fans really proud, and then we'll stop, re-set, and see what it (next year) looks like."

No team will be the home club during Gather Round.

Match-day colours will be worked out in consultation with clubs next year.

All club members will get free entry to their team's match, while general admission tickets are $30 with kids under 15 free.

Some fans were left disappointed the round wouldn't feature a blockbuster Showdown between Port Adelaide and Adelaide.

"The Showdown itself is an iconic event that people look forward to on the calendar," Auld said.

"So bringing that together with the Gather Round feels like a waste. Certainly that's our view, and the view of the two clubs here. 

"So we've been able to keep that separate."

Auld said the rest of the AFL fixture would be released on Sunday.

ROUND FIVE

Thursday, April 13 (all times AEST): 

Adelaide vs Carlton at Adelaide Oval, 7:40pm

Friday, April 14:

Fremantle vs Gold Coast at Norwood Oval, 5.10pm

Richmond vs Sydney at Adelaide Oval, 8:10pm

Saturday, April 15:

Brisbane vs North Melbourne at Adelaide Hills (Mount Barker), 1:10pm

Essendon vs Melbourne at Adelaide Oval, 4:10pm

Port Adelaide vs Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval, 7:50pm

Sunday, April 16:

Geelong vs West Coast at Adelaide Oval, 1:10pm

GWS vs Hawthorn at Norwood Oval, 3:20pm

Collingwood vs St Kilda at Adelaide Oval, 4:50pm.