Precipitation is anticipated to subside in time for the AFL Gather Round matches scheduled for Friday evening and throughout the weekend.
The Barossa Valley is set to host fans who remain unfazed by the rising fuel costs.
Discussions are still underway regarding the future of the event, including the possibility of hosting a game in the McLaren Vale area.
The Bureau of Meteorology has indicated that the adverse weather is expected to improve as the weekend progresses, coinciding with the premier’s efforts to retain the event within South Australia.
The opening match of the round featured the Adelaide Crows competing against Carlton, which took place under rainy conditions at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night. Although cold and windy weather is predicted for the weekend, forecaster Urshla Connor from the Bureau of Meteorology informed 891 ABC Adelaide that any rain on Friday would be minimal, with a slight chance of light showers during Saturday’s match in the Barossa.
“These showers will become less frequent as we move into the weekend, and if any do occur, they are expected to bring only about a millimeter of rain,” Ms. Connor stated.
Flight operations at Adelaide Airport experienced delays and cancellations on Thursday due to the weather, including a Qantas flight from Melbourne that was canceled on Friday morning.
All nine matches in Round 5 of the AFL are being hosted in Adelaide and the Barossa Valley as part of the Gather Round festivities.
The Shea family, who traveled from Victoria to attend the match, visited Barossa Park in Lyndoch for training ahead of Saturday’s game. They made a stop in Robe, located in the state’s southeast, on their journey.
John Shea acknowledged that the high cost of petrol made their trip pricier, but he felt it was worthwhile. “Definitely, it’s been great,” he remarked.
The North Melbourne Kangaroos are set to face the Brisbane Lions at Barossa Park on Saturday, followed by a match between the GWS Giants and Richmond on Sunday.
Local resident Aaliyah Kuhn, an enthusiastic Lions supporter, expressed her excitement about the influx of AFL fans in the area, describing it as “crazy” yet “pretty cool.” She noted the positive impact on local businesses, stating, “It’s good seeing all the small businesses get a chance.”
Brian Lynn from Majella Wines in the Coonawarra region had anticipated a decline in sales amidst rising fuel prices but instead observed an increase in visitors since the Easter long weekend. “Our takings at the cellar door have exceeded my expectations,” Mr. Lynn shared. “Despite fuel prices, we had a strong Easter, and this week has been promising.”
In other developments, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas commented that negotiations with the AFL regarding the future of the Gather Round are not progressing as smoothly as hoped. The event has been hosted in Adelaide and surrounding areas for the past three years, but the current agreement expires this year.
The chair of the Sydney Swans has suggested that a second Gather Round could be organized in Sydney and Queensland next year.
During an interview with ABC News Breakfast, Mr. Malinauskas confirmed that discussions are ongoing. “Both Andrew Dillon and I agree that it is more important to get this right than to rush through it, and there are a few differences we need to address,” he stated. “We may reach a resolution in the coming days, but I suspect it might take a bit longer.”
The Barossa Valley has hosted Gather Round games for the past two years. Mayor Bim Lange expressed his anticipation for the potential economic benefits, stating that the two matches are expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy. He is eagerly awaiting the outcome of the negotiations between the AFL and the premier. “We look forward to continuing this wonderful relationship for many years to come,” Mr. Lange added.
Tourism Minister Emily Bourke emphasized that the Gather Round contributed $5 million to the Barossa economy last year. “We invite everyone to come out and enjoy the Barossa,” she urged during a press conference affected by the rain. “Regardless of the weather, it is truly a beautiful place to experience the finest food in South Australia, along with its wines, eateries, and friendly people.”
