As AFL Gather Round returns to South Australia, fans are being encouraged to focus on their health, with free screenings available across key festival locations.
The State Government has once again partnered with Shane Warne Legacy, SiSU Health and Flinders University to deliver complimentary health checks during AFL Gather Round. Running from Thursday to Sunday across Adelaide and Norwood, the initiative aims to help people identify early risk factors for heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Now in its third year, the program encourages fans and the broader community to “know their numbers” through quick, accessible screenings. Across five festival locations, 52 SiSU Health Stations will provide self-service health checks, making it one of the largest community health activations in the country.
Health checks will be available at Elder Park, Adelaide Oval, Rundle Mall, Norwood Oval Memorial Gardens and the Norwood Food & Wine Festival.
Participants will receive instant insights into key health metrics, including blood pressure, heart rate, body composition and type 2 diabetes risk. Results are delivered via the SiSU Health mobile app, with recommendations to follow up with a GP where necessary. Flinders University medical scientists will also offer optional finger-prick blood tests to assess cholesterol and long-term blood sugar levels.
The initiative honours cricket legend Shane Warne, whose legacy continues to raise awareness about preventable health conditions. This year, AFL great Dermott Brereton will represent the Shane Warne Legacy. A close friend of Warne, Brereton famously inspired Warne’s iconic number 23, and their enduring friendship remains at the heart of the campaign.
“As we enter the third year of Shane Warne Legacy Health Checks at Gather Round, the evidence is clear – these checks are identifying hidden risk early and helping people take action,” shared Minister for Health and Wellbeing Blair Boyer.
Results from the 2025 program highlight its impact. More than 9,100 people participated, with one in three advised to follow up with their GP due to elevated health risks. Over half had not checked their blood pressure in the previous 12 months, and more than 60 per cent reported making or planning lifestyle changes after their screening.
Shane Warne Legacy Chief Executive Helen Nolan shared, “Since starting the Shane Warne Legacy, we’ve learned so much. One of the simplest and most confronting lessons is that high blood pressure has no symptoms, yet it’s one of the biggest risk factors for heart attack.
“And still, more than half of people haven’t had their blood pressure checked in the past year. When you stop and think about that, it’s quite staggering. Shane’s passing was a heartbreaking reminder that none of us are invincible.”
With thousands in town for the footy, these free checks offer a valuable opportunity to prioritise health while enjoying one of the nation’s biggest sporting events.
