A group of about 10 guys walk into a bar across the bridge from Adelaide Oval. It's about 30 minutes after Melbourne has beaten Adelaide in the first match of Gather Round II.

They assemble around a long rectangular table, and they slap the table in beat as they belt out a vociferous rendition of the Demons theme song.

None appear adorned in Melbourne apparel, but they are in high spirits. A Crows supporter metres away does not share his enthusiasm for their celebration. He flips the bird and grabs a beer.

The high-spirited group seem buoyed by the reaction.

Minutes later they start again, but it’s the GWS song ... then 'Tigerland' and 'We’re the Eagles'. It seems they are familiar with all of the club anthems and that they’re just footy fans having a ball.

They clearly are an eclectic group of all persuasions; they just love the game.

They are undoubtedly the target market for Gather Round. Last year 32 percent of the fans who purchased tickets in the inaugural version of this unique fixture were from outside of South Australia.

This year, as 18 clubs congregate on the City of Churches for nine games over four days at myriad venues, that number is 40 percent according to SA premier Peter Malinauskus.

His Government fought hard to win the race to be the inaugural hosts for this event and they have been rewarded with an extended deal that terminates in 2026.

Walking the streets of the city in the vicinity of the team hotel it’s hard not to be more than a little jealous that Perth did not seek to bring this AFL carnival west.

The atmosphere is alive. It’s like Grand Final week except all clubs are involved. There a community engagement initiatives around the city and its fringes; matches are traditional venues like the showcase Adelaide Oval on the banks of the River Torrens.

And then there are places like Mt Barker that get the opportunity to feature elite football in their picturesque hamlet at the foot of the Adelaide Hills.

As soon as the West Coast Eagles arrived in this central Australian capital the squad split into two groups; some went to Elder Park just a Malcolm Blight torpedo from Adelaide Oval for a visit and a fan festival for a range of activities and a signing session.

The others headed to Mt Barker, a 50 minute drive for a coaching clinic. The locals were both chuffed and proud. Their oval looked a treat and the temporary infrastructure was amazing.

They have invested heavily in a monetary, physical and spiritual sense.

Behind the change rooms that local teams use are a series of large marques. A local councillor was excited to show us through a large kick-up area with rooms branching off to the side. Large television screens adorned the walls of the briefing room and line meeting areas.

They deserved to be puffing out their chests.

Nothing has been left to chance for this contest with Sydney. The surface is pristine, the facilities first class and both clubs will immerse themselves in this experience.

No doubt some locals will adopt the Eagles for a day; some may be longer term. But the concept of taking the game to the people is the winner.