The 2024 AFL Grand Final is locked in! This Saturday, September 28 at the MCG the Brisbane Lions and Sydney Swans go head-to-head for the ultimate rematch 125 years in the making.
The last time the Swans and Lions faced off for the flag was the 1899 VFL Grand Final, back when both clubs were based in Victoria as South Melbourne and Fitzroy respectively - it is also the first time since 2006 that the final does not involve a Victorian team. Whoever you support, it is going to be an exciting ride with the Lions booking their place with a stunning victory over Geelong last weekend.
There is also huge anticipation for the halftime show with Katy Perry performing for the expected crowd of more than 100,000 fans. If you like most of us will be watching the action on the big screen, here are five venues where cheering is a requirement:
Grand Final Live & Loud
Built as a haven for Margaret River’s emerging surf culture in the 1970s, The Settlers Tavern on Bussell Highway is always evolving to ensure all locals and visitors feel right at home. With a panoramic tree-lined view visible in all directions and framed posters of famous shows and surf events lining the original brick walls, this watering hole welcomes everyone for an ice-cold brew and bite to eat.
Catch the Grand Final live and loud as the whole venue is thrown open on Saturday for the big game – grab your mates and head down to the front bar, beer garden, bistro or back verandah for bites and brews to go with the footy action; wrap your hands around a slow-cooked beef brisket steak sandwich with bacon jam, smoked tomato chutney, rocket, aioli, pickles and chips to stave off hunger while you cheer on your team.
Burgers & Beer to Watch the Game
Welcome to a slice of the Emerald Isle in the heart of Melbourne at The Irish Times on Little Collins Street. Exuding a warm, relaxed and friendly vibe, the ambience is genuinely Irish with wrap-around bars, traditional dark wood, fireplaces, stained-glass windows and rugby memorabilia reminiscent of classic homeland pubs.
A great spot for a pint of Guinness, settle in to watch the big game with mates over plates of spicy chicken buffalo wings, served with salad and ranch dressing; or chow down on the legendary Irish Times Guinness tower burger with Angus beef patty, tomato relish, tomatoes, salad, pickled cucumber, onion rings and cheese, on a brioche bun with chips.
Siren to Siren Grand Final Package
Sample the full range of South Australia's iconic Coopers beer inside The Original Coopers Alehouse, located in the heart of Adelaide City on Pulteney Street. Enjoy a leisurely lunch with friends or a vibrant evening of ambient dining among rich timbers and stone walls and feel the warmth of a wood-fired oven as it cooks mouth-watering pizzas.
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Book in for the ultimate Siren to Siren cocktail food and drinks package to view the Grand Final in style with wine, beer, cider and soft drinks available along with classic bar snacks; perhaps order from the bar menu and devour pork belly burnt ends with green apple and chilli slaw, or share a wood-fired pizza with garlic prawns, blue swimmer crab, garlic, spring onion, shallots, red and green chilli and fior di latte.
Fuel Up Before the Big Game
Sitting on the banks of the Goulburn River for more than half a century, Jamieson Brewery & Grill on Eldon-Jamieson Road in Jamieson is one of the first microbreweries in Victoria. With a reputation for high-quality ales and hospitable country charm, this child-friendly venue has play equipment in the gardens and a dedicated kids’ zone in the restaurant making it the perfect destination for a memorable family meal.
Stop in to fuel up before the game on Saturday and choose duck spring rolls with apple, mango and orange glaze and rocket salad from the specials board, or devour a crispy chicken burger with tomato, lettuce, bacon, cheese, grilled pineapple, aioli and BBQ sauce; pizza slices like lamb with Napoli sauce, spinach, feta, red onion, capsicum, cheese and tzatziki always score a goal.
Wet Your Grand Final Whistle
Every flavour tells a story at microbrewery The Cheeky Pint on Barkly Street in Footscray. Throw the doors open and you are greeted with a vibe as inviting as the couch on a Sunday with an intimate dining space, sprawling bar blessed with large copper tanks housing exclusive beers and an informal lounge area.
There are 12 different beers on the menu, 10 of which are exclusively brewed by The Cheeky Pint, a lengthy cocktail list and some of the best pub grub you have experienced – consider the Grand Final whistle wet! Graze on mac ‘n’ cheese croquettes with BBQ sauce, crispy fried chicken ribs and Nashville hot sauce, or tackle beer-battered flathead, served with chips, salad, mushy peas, tartar sauce and lemon.
