Lions, Kangaroos hit the road again in Gather Round
Roger Vaughan |
Gather Round is turning Chris Fagan and Alastair Clarkson into the AFL’s version of the Leyland Brothers.
Their teams duelled in the Barossa on Saturday, continuing the tour of regions that would make them ideal ambassadors for SA Tourism.
The Leylands, who became cultural icons in the 1970s and ’80s for their televised outback travels, would appreciate the itinerary.
And after four years of being off-Broadway in the AFL’s showcase round, Fagan would love the chance to play in the heart of the action.
Fagan’s Brisbane and Clarkson’s North Melbourne have not played at Adelaide Oval in the four Gather Rounds.
The Lions’ 26-point win on Saturday at the Barossa followed their original 2023 clash at Mt Barker in the Adelaide Hills.
They met again the following year at suburban Norwood, before the Lions beat the Western Bulldogs last year at that venue. This is North’s second year at the Barossa.
“I just think the fairest way to do it, is to share it around all teams,” Fagan told AAP post-match
“Everyone should have that experience of playing Gather Round at Adelaide Oval.
“I think the people will turn up regardless, if they’re worried about crowds.
“That’s not me complaining about us. I’m saying that about all teams.”
The game attracted a healthy crowd, who braved windy and wet conditions that meant a scrappy contest.
Clarkson said the weather meant it was tough to gauge how much his team had pushed the Lions, or whether the conditions had ensured a tight match.
AAP