Having long established Launceston as a home away from home, Hawthorn now wants Norwood Oval to be its home away from home during the Gather Round.
Following Sunday’s announcement by the AFL and the South Australian government that the Gather Round will be remaining in South Australia for the next three years, the Hawks immediately contacted the AFL to request that it be fixtured at the storied Adelaide suburban venue on that weekend for the duration of the agreement.
Although the Hawks were pipped by two points by GWS after a brilliant mark and goal by Harry Himmelberg with less than two minutes to go, they were otherwise thrilled with the day.
More than 9000 fans packed the crowds and save for small pockets here and there, the crowd was overwhelmingly clad in brown-and-gold. Old timers said the Hawks haven’t enjoyed overwhelming support like that at a suburban venue since they departed Glenferrie Oval 50 years ago.
The Hawks say they are happy for other clubs to clamour for games at Adelaide Oval next year. It is likely that one fewer game will be played in the city next year, with another rural game to be added, most likely in the Barossa Valley.
But the Hawks, who have a large and active South Australian supporter base, want to take over Norwood next year with activations and supporter functions in the nearby precinct and chief executive Justin Reeves has already contacted the AFL with that request.
Gather Round was a massive success for the AFL, with 220,000 fans attending the games at Adelaide Oval, Norwood and Mount Barker. More than 60,000 of those came from interstate, generating an estimated $80 million for the local economy.
The AFL will move quickly to lock in the dates for next season so that fans can make their travel plans.