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SA Premier's pot-shot at NRL after major AFL announcement

The AFL's decision to host a round in South Australia prompted state premier Peter Malinauskas to take a swipe at the NRL. Pictures: Getty Images
The AFL's decision to host a round in South Australia prompted state premier Peter Malinauskas to take a swipe at the NRL. Pictures: Getty Images

South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas has used the AFL's announcement the state will host a dedicated round next season to take a pot-shot at the NRL and New South Wales.

The AFL will host the entirety of round five next season in South Australia, with Adelaide likely to host the majority of games along with the possibility of some regional fixtures.

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Borrowing heavily from the NRL's 'Magic Round', the AFL's yet-to-be-named equivalent has been touted by AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan as an important way to nurture the game in a traditional heartland.

It's likely as many as six games will be hosted at the Adelaide Oval between Thursday night and Sunday, with suburban grounds also in consideration, as well as a potential match in the Barossa Valley.

Malinauskas had a major crack at NSW and the NRL - which has staged its Magic Round at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium since 2019, although the event did not go ahead in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The objective was to get it here first, we didn't want to be anyone's sloppy seconds, particularly Sydney's," he told reporters.

"Turn on the NRL most weekends and the crowds look like an SANFL game."

McLachlan said SA premier Malinauskas "pestered" him to secure the "legacy" round, with the state edging out early frontrunner NSW.

The festival adds an extra round of games to the season, increasing from 23 to 24, with one bye for each team.

"We are looking forward to not only bringing nine great matches for premiership points to South Australia, but also a party-like atmosphere, filled with fan activations, family-friendly events, music, entertainment," McLachlan said.

"Over the pandemic-challenged years, South Australia played an important role in the survival of our game, and we are so pleased to be able to bring this major football event into the state.

"School holidays are a great opportunity for families, and we will work with the SA government to ensure we will have free experiences and activations at matches and around the city."

SA premier Peter Malinauskas thrilled to land AFL bonanza in Adelaide

Malinauskas said he was "so excited" South Australia had earned hosting rights.

"I can't wait to welcome fans from across the country who will get to witness a truly unique round of footy and also experience everything South Australia has to offer," he said.

"And for South Australian footy fans, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience footy like never before."

The match-ups will be confirmed later in November when the AFL releases the 2023 fixture.

Meanwhile, Adelaide winger Paul Seedsman has been delisted as he continues to battle concussion, but his AFL club plans to re-draft him as a rookie.

South Australian footy fans will have a bonanza on their hands when all nine games of round five are played in Adelaide and surrounds. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
South Australian footy fans will have a bonanza on their hands when all nine games of round five are played in Adelaide and surrounds. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images) (AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Seedsman didn't play at any level this year after being concussed at training in December.

The 132-gamer has conceded his career could be over because of ongoing effects from concussion.

Seedsman, who finished third in Adelaide's club champion award last season, suffered constant migraines and nausea after copping a knock to the head in a marking contest at training.

The Crows on Wednesday delisted Seedsman, who will turn 31 next January, and defender Andrew McPherson.

But Adelaide said in a statement they had committed to selecting both players in the rookie draft on November 30.

With AAP

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