Port Adelaide to clash with Hawthorn in final match of AFL Gather Round as Fremantle head to Barossa Valley

The AFL’s Gather Round in 2025 will end with a bang after confirmation Port Adelaide will take on Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval in a rematch of last season’s fiery semi-final that ended with Port coach Ken Hinkley $20,000 poorer.

Hinkley was fined $20,000 for conduct unbecoming after singling out Hawk antagonist Jack Ginnivan, who had posted a “see u in 14 days” message on Sydney ruckman Brodie Grundy’s Instagram post before the semi-final against Port.

After his team’s win, Hinkley allegedly yelled “you aren’t flying anywhere, Jack” to Ginnivan, sparking a verbal exchange with Hawthorn captain James Sicily and condemnation for the Port coach who later apologised.

But the AFL has opted to renew the rivalry in a Sunday night clash to round out Gather Round, which will for the first time feature matches in the Barossa Valley.

North Melbourne will take on the Gold Coast and Fremantle playing Richmond in what will likely be the first meeting between Shai Bolton and his former side.

Gather Round will run from Thursday, April 10 to Sunday, April 13.

Hometown team Adelaide will open Gather Round in a Thursday night clash with Geelong, while Collingwood will take on Sydney in the prime-time Friday night slot.

“Gather Round is the best of our game, a celebration of footy like no other,” AFL boss Andrew Dillon said.

“South Australia really turns it on, and we are excited to bring fans a bigger and better experience in 2025 with some great match-ups and a new venue at Barossa Park.

“The Barossa celebrates some of the best of South Australia and we are excited about all the opportunities that will be on offer for our fans to take in while visiting the region, outside of the two incredible games that will be played at the new Barossa Park in Lyndoch.

“On behalf of the AFL I want to thank the SA government, led by Premier Malinauskas, who has been committed wholeheartedly to the success of the concept since 2023.

“Gather Round has a unique feel of a grand final week, from the footy festival and the zip line over the Torrens River to the community engagement activities and all the open training sessions the clubs hold around the town … it has been just an incredibly fun atmosphere which we are looking to top next season.”

In the other matches for the festival of footy in Adelaide, Essendon will play Melbourne, Carlton will clash with West Coast, the Western Bulldogs will take on premiers Brisbane, Richmond will play Fremantle and GWS will clash with St Kilda

FULL GATHER ROUND FIXTURE

Thursday April 10

Adelaide Crows vs Geelong (AO) 7.40pm AEST, 7.10pm local

Friday April 11

Collingwood vs Sydney (AO) 7.40pm AEST, 7.10pm local

Saturday April 12

North Melbourne vs Gold Coast (Barossa) 12.35pm AEST, 12.05pm local

Carlton vs West Coast (AO) 1.20pm AEST, 12.50pm local

Western Bulldogs vs Brisbane Lions (Norwood) 4.15pm AEST, 3.45pm local

Melbourne vs Essendon (AO) 7.35pm AEST, 7.05pm local

Sunday April 13

Richmond vs Fremantle (Barossa) 12.35pm AEST, 12.05pm local

St Kilda vs GWS (Norwood) 3.20pm AEST, 2.50pm local

Port Adelaide vs Hawthorn (AO) 7.20pm AEST, 6.50pm local