The Gather Round Divide: Winners, Losers and Adelaide's Annual Football Festival

The autumn sun rises over Adelaide Oval, casting long shadows across the perfectly manicured turf where another chapter of AFL history will unfold. In just 24 hours, football’s annual pilgrimage to South Australia begins again, bringing with it a fascinating tale of two cities — or rather, two distinct groups of clubs.

As we prepare for the fourth edition of Gather Round, the numbers tell a story that’s both remarkable and puzzling. Five clubs have found something magical about playing in Adelaide, winning every single year: Brisbane, Collingwood, Geelong, GWS and Port Adelaide. Meanwhile, five others remain stubbornly winless: Hawthorn, North Melbourne, Richmond, West Coast and the Western Bulldogs.

The Gather Round Champions

Port Adelaide’s perfect record feels almost inevitable — playing at home will do that. But what about the others? Brisbane’s dominance speaks to their recent renaissance under Chris Fagan, a team that’s learned to travel well and embrace different environments. Their midfield, anchored by stars like Hugh McCluggage, seems to relish the unique atmosphere that Gather Round creates.

Collingwood represents the most intriguing case study. The Magpies have shown a remarkable ability to rise to big occasions, and Gather Round has become exactly that — a festival where every match feels like an event. There’s something about the spotlight, the packed Adelaide streets, the sense of occasion that brings out their best.

Geelong’s success shouldn’t surprise anyone familiar with their culture under Chris Scott. The Cats have mastered the art of treating every ground like home, their experienced core providing stability in unfamiliar surroundings. GWS, meanwhile, have used Gather Round as proof that their investment in youth and system is paying dividends beyond the confines of Giants Stadium.

The Search for That First Win

On the flip side, Richmond supporters must be scratching their heads. A club that won three premierships between 2017-2020 somehow can’t crack the code in Adelaide. The Tigers’ traditionally aggressive, high-pressure style might not translate as effectively to Gather Round’s carnival atmosphere, where rhythm and flow often matter more than raw intensity.

Hawthorn finds itself