The AFL, in conjunction with the South Australian Government, is pleased to announce an entire round of footy is coming to South Australia, with the addition of an extra round of the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season added which will see all nine matches to be played in the state.
In a league first for the national competition, all nine AFL matches featuring all 18 clubs will be played in a single state for Premiership points.
It will officially be Round 5 of the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season and the nine games will be scheduled across four days, running from Thursday April 13 through to Sunday April 16, with the round of matches coinciding with school holidays.
Match-ups, timings and venues will be confirmed upon release of the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season fixture in late November – with Adelaide Oval to feature heavily.
Entry to competing club matches will be FREE for all Club and AFL Members and further ticketing information will be released shortly, with tickets on sale post the release of the fixture.
AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan said it was a great initiative to bring a major footy event to the state.
"We are looking forward to not only bringing nine great matches for Premiership points to South Australia, but also a party-like atmosphere, filled with fan activations, family-friendly events, music, entertainment, community engagement, all designed to bring the city to life over the four days," Mr McLachlan said.
"Over the pandemic-challenged years, South Australia played an important role in the survival of our game, and we are so pleased to be able to bring this major football event into the state.
"School holidays are a great opportunity for families, and we will work with the SA Government to ensure we will have free experiences and activations at matches and around the city for all footy fans to come together.
"Our clubs, our players and coaches are excited to come together, put on a great show and engage with the local community and grassroots footy, all while showcasing the great state of South Australia.
"On behalf of the AFL, I would like to thank Premier Malinauskas, who has really taken the lead on this project, along with everyone at the South Australian Government and all footy fans across the state – your passion for this project has been infectious and we look forward to putting on a great show for you all come April."
Mr McLachlan also said the competition would be open to move the concept around the country in future years.
"A round of footy all in one state is a fantastic initiative for our competition, we have had great interest from many of our partners in other states and we are open to take this concept around the country giving other states the chance to experience it."
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said, "I am so excited South Australia has earned the right to bring together all 18 clubs to compete for Premiership points over four big days next season.
"As Premier, I am determined to lure more major events to South Australia, which is why we fought so hard to secure an entire round of AFL in South Australia.
"I can't wait to welcome fans from across the country who will get to witness a truly unique round of footy and also experience everything South Australia has to offer – our city, our world-class wineries and other incredible tourism assets.
"This will help fill hotel rooms, restaurants, pubs and clubs, which is exactly what our economy needs as we emerge from the pandemic, particularly our tourism and hospitality sector which has done it tough over the past couple of years.
"And for South Australian footy fans, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience footy like never before.
"Rest assured, we are going to put on a show footy fans will never forget."
AFL GM Operations David Stevenson said, "We will continue to work in partnership with the South Australian Government to deliver fans, clubs, players, and officials a memorable experience across every touch point.
"We look forward to engaging the city and promoting the best of South Australia."
The 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season will be 23 matches over 24 Rounds, with each club still receiving a BYE week.
The fixture for the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season will be released in late November/early December, post the NAB AFLW Grand Final and 2022 NAB AFL Draft on November 27/28.
Further ticketing information including premium hospitality experiences will be released post the announcement of the fixture.
The matches will be broadcast on SEVEN, Fox Footy and Kayo.
"Our longstanding broadcast partners have a great appetite to be involved and they look forward to bringing the matches to everyone around the country," Mr McLachlan said.
