Hawks, Hinkley set for rematch to end Gather Round

Port Adelaide and Hawthorn will face off for the first time since their infamous semi-final tussle when they end Gather Round next year.

The Hawks will return to the Adelaide Oval on April 13, seven months after the Power ended their unexpected AFL finals run.

But Port's thrilling three-point win is best remembered for the fiery post-game confrontation between Power coach Ken Hinkley and Hawthorn captain James Sicily.

Outspoken Hawks forward Jack Ginnivan had fired up Port in the days before the game when he posted a five-word comment to Sydney ruckman, and former Collingwood teammate, Brodie Grundy.

Hinkley and Port, who were embarrassed in a qualifying final mauling by Geelong, took the "see u in 14 days" comment personally, admitting to using the sledge as motivation.

After the heart-stopping win, Hinkley shouted to Ginnivan "he's not flying anywhere", prompting Sicily to fire angrily back at the Port coach.

The war of words even extended into the guard of honour for Hawthorn great Luke Breust, who had just played his 300th game.

The rematch always promised to be one of the more eagerly anticipated games of 2025, but the Sunday night match will ensure the third Gather Round closes in style.

Port's first two Gather Round fixtures were in free-to-air TV prime-time  slots on Saturday night, and Friday night, respectively.

AFL boss Andrew Dillon said the festival of football in South Australia had developed a "unique feel of a grand final week".

"Gather Round is the best of our game, a celebration of footy like no other," he said.

The round will begin on the Thursday night, April 10, when Adelaide host preliminary finalists Geelong.

After playing strugglers West Coast in Mt Barker this year, beaten grand finalists Sydney will play Collingwood in a Friday night blockbuster at the Adelaide Oval.

Reigning premiers Brisbane will return to Norwood Oval for the second straight year when they clash with the Western Bulldogs.

As previously announced, the Barossa Valley will host AFL games for the first time, replacing Mt Barker in Gather Round.

North Melbourne and Gold Coast will play in the inaugural match at Barossa Park, with Richmond and Fremantle to play at the venue on the Sunday.

GATHER ROUND 2025:

Thursday, April 10
Adelaide v Geelong, Adelaide Oval

Friday, April 11
Collingwood v Sydney, Adelaide Oval

Saturday, April 12
Carlton v West Coast, Adelaide Oval
North Melbourne v Gold Coast, Barossa Park
Western Bulldogs v Brisbane, Norwood Oval
Essendon v Melbourne, Adelaide Oval

Sunday, April 13
Richmond v Fremantle, Barossa Park
St Kilda v GWS, Norwood Oval
Port Adelaide v Hawthorn, Adelaide Oval