AFL Gather Round kicks goals for the local community and businesses

The City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters is celebrating another successful year of AFL Gather Round, which delivered a strong economic boost and vibrant community atmosphere across four days in April.

According to recently released Spendmapp data, the 2025 edition saw total spending across the City reach $15.8 million—a 7% increase from 2024—with interstate tourists contributing more than $1.12 million to that total.

Mayor Robert Bria welcomed the results, noting that Norwood Oval’s role as a host venue significantly contributed to the influx of visitors.

“Bringing teams such as Brisbane and GWS to Norwood Oval is great from a tourism perspective and gives our City a unique opportunity to showcase everything our great City has to offer,” said Mayor Bria.

“I was delighted to see people from as far as Townsville attend the Rivals Long Lunch on Osmond Terrace.”

Victorian visitors led the interstate spending in our City, contributing $750,000, while fans from New South Wales and Queensland spent $191,000 and $182,000 respectively.

Norwood Oval hosted two key matches over the weekend—Brisbane Lions vs Western Bulldogs on Saturday 12 April, and St Kilda vs GWS Giants on Sunday 13 April—attracting over 18,000 footy fans and food lovers alike to the heart of Norwood.

The weekend’s events proved to be a major win for the local hospitality sector, with spending surging to $4.6 million, up 26% from 2024.

Norwood hospitality alone saw $2.83 million in spending (a 19% increase).

On Sunday 13 April, coinciding with the Norwood Food & Wine Festival, spending reached $1.5 million, up 36% from the previous year.

“It’s a unique opportunity to support local businesses while enjoying some of the best food and wine South Australia has to offer—just a drop, punt and throw from Norwood Oval,” Mayor Bria added.

One of the highlights of the weekend was the return of the Rivals Long Lunch, a glamorous, sold-out affair with 160 guests gathered under a marquee on Osmond Terrace.

Curated by Head Chef Eddie Noble, the menu celebrated local produce from Glynde and Stepney, paired with top-tier local wines and spirits.

Food Secrets ambassador and mother of the chef Jane Reilly OAM hosted the afternoon with charm and community spirit.

A silent auction, featuring generous donations from local businesses, raised more than $2,700 for the Jodi Lee Foundation, highlighting the event’s community-driven ethos.

The Norwood Food & Wine Festival marked the culmination of a four-day festival of footy, food and fun on Sunday 13 April, with a record 90,000 visitors on The Parade.

The Parade was alive with family-friendly entertainment, gourmet offerings and the unmistakable buzz of AFL action.

Local eateries and producers were joined by some of Adelaide’s top restaurants, wineries, breweries and distilleries, delivering a sensory feast for thousands of attendees.

AFL games were broadcast on big screens throughout the area, adding to the vibrant, inclusive atmosphere.

The festival's headline act, Birds of Tokyo, drew huge crowds and delivered an electrifying performance that perfectly capped off a weekend of celebration.

With growing crowds, glowing feedback and a strengthened local economy, AFL Gather Round has firmly cemented itself as a signature event for the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters.

Mark your calendars—the AFL Gather Round will be back in 2026 and Norwood is ready to welcome you back for more footy action.