The 2026 AFL Gather Round in Adelaide has been marked by a combination of competitive on-field results and significant logistical disruptions caused by severe weather and traffic accidents.
On April 11, 2026, the reigning premiers, Brisbane, defeated North Melbourne with a final score of 92 to 66. While reporting from The Age noted that the Kangaroos held a lead during the match, Brisbane ultimately secured the victory.
Other matches in the round have seen varied outcomes. On April 9, 2026, Adelaide defeated Carlton 114 to 86. This was followed on April 10, 2026, by a contest between Collingwood and Fremantle, which ended in a 45 to 39 victory for Fremantle.
Ongoing action on April 11, 2026, includes a match between Essendon and Melbourne. Current scores show Essendon leading 81 to 59, with The Age reporting that Essendon is playing with spirit
despite a shredded
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Travel and Weather Disruptions
The event has been plagued by travel chaos stemming from severe storms that hit South Australia hours before the opening of Gather Round on April 9, 2026. These storms resulted in power outages for thousands of residents and caused widespread flight cancellations and delays for fans traveling to Adelaide.
Adelaide Airport recorded its busiest day of the year on April 10, 2026, as thousands of passengers arrived, including the Collingwood squad. Despite the high volume of travelers, the airport continued to manage the influx following the previous days of weather-related disruptions.
Road travel also faced severe interruptions on April 10, 2026. A truck crash at Crafers left commuters and Gather Round travelers on the South Eastern Freeway facing delays of up to five hours. Authorities reduced the speed limit to 40km/h in the affected area to manage the scene.
Upcoming Fixtures
The schedule for the remainder of the Gather Round event includes several key matchups. Remaining games for April 11, 2026, feature Sydney against Gold Coast and Hawthorn against the Bulldogs.
The event will conclude on April 12, 2026, with the following fixtures:
- Geelong vs West Coast
- Greater Western Sydney vs Richmond
- Port Adelaide vs St Kilda
While the rain has begun to ease, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports that negotiations regarding the future of the Gather Round event are continuing.