While football fans packed the stands, cheered on their teams and soaked up the electric energy of AFL’s Gather Round, an equally impressive performance was unfolding behind the scenes – one that turned hard work, precision and teamwork into an art form.

Quayclean Australia took centre stage off the field, delivering a flawless facilities cleaning, waste management and presentation effort across seven matches in just four days, including a mammoth double-header at the iconic Adelaide Oval. It was a logistical feat of epic proportions, one that demanded more than 250 staff, clocking up 4500 hours across 800 shifts – and gathering a staggering 110 tonnes of waste, with a remarkable 90 percent diverted for recycling.

As South Australia’s Premier Peter Malinauskas geared up for his third Gather Round alongside Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority CEO Nick Addison, Quayclean’s team quietly sprang into action. With more than a dozen interstate leaders rallying to support the local crew, they worked tirelessly to elevate the experience for more than 260,000 patrons at Adelaide Oval and Barossa Park.

For Quayclean chief executive Mark Piwkowski, it was a moment of immense pride. “The standout challenge was the 90-minute turnaround on Saturday afternoon,” he recalled. “Carlton knocked off West Coast in the midday clash, and in no time, Adelaide Oval had to be spotless and game-ready for Essendon and Melbourne. It was a first on this scale for any AFL stadium in Australia – and it was pulled off with flawless precision.”

Piwkowski was quick to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of the operation. “Chanuka Dias and Andres Cossio, leading our South Australian team, were phenomenal,” he said. “Their leadership and coordination were poetry in motion. Watching them and their teams in action was a masterclass in organisation and pride.”

He also paid tribute to Minu Perera, Quayclean’s post-event cleaning manager at Adelaide Oval. “Night after night, Minu and his crew worked deep into the early hours, turning over facilities so each day’s crowd walked into a venue as fresh and spotless as the one before. And hats off to Lexie Clark and her team at Barossa Park, who made back-to-back match days look effortless.”

But for Piwkowski, it wasn’t just a Quayclean story – it was a partnership powered by trust and shared ambition. He credited Adelaide Oval CEO Nick Addison and facilities manager Stacey Williams-Bambrick for their leadership and collaborative spirit. “Their ability to challenge, inspire and work alongside us is incredible. It’s a privilege to be part of a team that constantly raises the bar.”

As the final siren sounded on a spectacular Gather Round, Quayclean had not only delivered a seamless operation but played a pivotal role in making the national event something to remember. “We’re proud to be part of what makes this annual football celebration so special,” Piwkowski said.

Behind the cheers, the goals and the roar of the crowd, it was a triumph of teamwork, leadership and dedication – and Quayclean nailed it.