The fourth edition of the AFL's Gather Round has been widely celebrated as a resounding success, attracting unprecedented crowds to South Australia for a full round of Australian rules football concentrated in and around Adelaide. However, the event was not without its controversial moments, most notably when thousands of AFL fans were heard chanting explicit lyrics live on television during the final match of the round.
Record Crowds and Festival Atmosphere
Gather Round 2024 saw football enthusiasts flock to Adelaide in record numbers, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere across multiple venues. The concept of hosting an entire AFL round in one region continues to prove popular with supporters, boosting local tourism and showcasing South Australia's passion for the sport. The culmination of this football festival featured a thrilling encounter between Port Adelaide and St Kilda at Adelaide Oval.
Controversial Chant Echoes Through Adelaide Oval
Despite Port Adelaide's inability to overcome St Kilda in front of a packed stadium, the party atmosphere remained intact—though it took an unexpected turn when television broadcasts captured the crowd chanting 'f**k off' during the match. Importantly, this chant was not directed at any player, official, or opposing team, but rather formed part of a musical celebration following a St Kilda goal.
The moment occurred when emerging St Kilda star Hugo Garcia kicked a crucial goal and his chosen celebration song—The Angels' 1976 Australian rock classic 'Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again'—blasted through the stadium speakers. Over decades, Australian music fans have added their own unofficial lyrics to this song, with crowds traditionally responding to the chorus with the line 'no way, get f**ked, f**k off.'
Fan Reactions and Cultural Context
Football supporters embraced this moment of unapologetic Australian vernacular during the high-stakes match. Social media platforms buzzed with commentary, with one fan noting, 'This was brilliant last night at Adelaide Oval. The look on some kids' faces was priceless,' while another praised Garcia as 'a good lad from the northern suburbs who knows how to troll the AFL.' A third supporter commented, 'One of the few after-goal songs that I could get behind.'
The chant itself has deep roots in Australian music culture rather than football tradition. Originally released as a slow, emotional ballad, the song transformed in the early 1980s when live audiences began shouting the now-infamous response during concerts. Lead singer Doc Neeson initially believed crowds were turning against the band before recognizing that this altered chorus had become an integral part of the performance. The tradition subsequently spread through pubs, clubs, and venues nationwide, evolving into one of Australia's most recognizable call-and-response rituals.
Precedent and Potential Censorship
Those hoping to continue supporting Garcia through this musical choice may need to act quickly, as history suggests such selections face swift removal from match-day programming. Brisbane Lions forward Eric Hipwood and former Adelaide player Brodie Smith have both previously chosen The Angels' classic as their goal celebration song, only to see it mysteriously disappear from stadium playlists within a few matches.
One observant fan recalled, 'Eric Hipwood had that a couple of years ago—and it lasted precisely two games before someone pulled the pin on it.' Another added, 'It was Brodie Smith's last year as well. Can only imagine how quickly Fox Footy scrambled to mute the crowd when he kicked a goal last year.' This pattern indicates broadcasters and officials remain sensitive about airing such explicit content during family-friendly sporting events.
Garcia's Performance and Match Outcome
Garcia substantiated his bold musical selection with an outstanding on-field performance, accumulating 26 disposals and kicking a vital goal in St Kilda's 81–67 victory over Port Adelaide. His contribution proved pivotal despite a fierce second-half comeback attempt from the home team, earning him recognition among St Kilda's best players for the match.
The Saints' triumph provided a fitting conclusion to Gather Round, which overall demonstrated the AFL's capacity to deliver engaging, large-scale events that capture national attention—even when accompanied by moments of unexpected controversy.
