Western Australia is making a bid to host the AFL’s Gather Round event, and as part of this bid, it has been confirmed that Leederville Oval will undergo a $5 million transformation. The state government will revamp the grounds, including replacing the ground itself, the goal posts, boundary fencing, and dugouts, as well as upgrading the lighting for night games to be broadcast. Leederville Oval will receive a new surface and lighting as part of this upgrade, with the aim of elevating it to a tier two football ground along with Fremantle Oval.
Deputy Premier and Treasurer Rita Saffioti has stated that the state’s $3.8 million contribution to the project will benefit both the WAFL teams that play at Leederville Oval and the sport more broadly. She has also mentioned holding informal talks with the AFL, West Coast, and Fremantle regarding measures to equalize travel disadvantages for WA teams. With the Tasmania team joining the competition in 2028, there may be changes to the AFL fixture, and the hope is to have two Gather Rounds or a split Gather Round event with Western Australia as the Western hub.
The Gather Round event sees all 18 AFL clubs travel to a host city to play nine games across multiple venues. Adelaide’s hosting rights deal for the event is set to expire at the end of 2026, with the South Australian government reportedly paying $15 million for these rights. The upcoming changes at Leederville Oval and the potential to host Gather Round present an opportunity for Western Australia to showcase its football facilities and potentially attract more high-profile events in the future.
The $5 million upgrade to Leederville Oval will bring significant improvements to the facilities and infrastructure, making it a more competitive venue for hosting AFL games and events. The new surface, lighting, and other enhancements will not only benefit the WAFL teams that play at the oval but also provide opportunities for the broader football community in Western Australia. The state government’s investment in this project demonstrates a commitment to supporting and growing the sport of football in the region.
Rita Saffioti’s discussions with key stakeholders in the AFL and WA football teams show a proactive approach to addressing travel disadvantages and ensuring a level playing field for Western Australian teams in the national competition. By positioning Western Australia as a potential Western hub for future AFL events like Gather Round, the state government aims to attract more high-profile sporting events and boost the local economy through increased tourism and exposure. The potential benefits of hosting Gather Round in Western Australia could include increased revenue, investment in sport infrastructure, and a strengthened position in the national football landscape.
As Western Australia prepares to bid for the AFL’s Gather Round event and invest in the transformation of Leederville Oval, there is a sense of optimism and opportunity for the state’s football community. The upgrades to the oval, coupled with the potential to host high-profile AFL events, signify a significant step forward in enhancing the football infrastructure in Western Australia and expanding the state’s presence in the national sports scene. The state government’s support for these initiatives reflects a commitment to fostering growth and development in the sport of football, as well as positioning Western Australia as a premier destination for sporting events and competitions.
