Overview
Footy's biggest day is here, and as you might expect, it's taking over the entire city. If you're looking to do more than kick around at home, just about every pub, bar and restaurant puts on a game-day screening with the perks to match. From catching the action in the shadow of the 'G to refined encounters fit for the prawn sandwich brigade, these Grand Final experiences will see you through from siren-to-siren and beyond, whether you're a Cat, a Lion or someone without a dog in this fight.
The Posty, Cremorne
The Posty has a simple formula: pizza, margs and good times. But for the Grand Final, the crew is switching things up, hosting a laneway party decked out with the only megascreen on Swan Street. Taking over from 10am–late, this live and loud experience will keep rocking long after the siren sounds, with this hallowed strip often the go-to spot for post-match revellers.
Zennieshia Butts
Hickens Hotel, CBD
Hickens Hotel is a new addition to the CBD pub scene, but it's undoubtedly primed for the last Saturday in September. On Level 2, Abe's Athletic Hall offers wall-to-wall screens, made even better with booth packages, a pair of private viewing rooms and post-game bands. Meanwhile, the ultra-retro Carlton Lounge is ripe for waxing lyrical about the sport's greatest moments.
Quarterhouse, Docklands
Quarterhouse is another new arrival, offering three levels of top-notch drinking and dining opposite Southern Cross Station. The venue is going sky-high for the Grand Final, presenting an exclusive Rooftop Viewing Party. Featuring a four-metre screen, roaming canapés, bottomless drinks and live entertainment before and after the siren, you're invited to score the basic package for $110 per person.
Post Office Club Hotel, St Kilda
Sorry, Saints fans, the Premiership drought continues. But at least the Post Office Club Hotel, a much-loved local, ensures those in and around St Kilda catch all the action. Stacked with pre-game specials and elevated pub cuisine for the big occasion, The Posty has Coopers pale ale pints for $10 and schooners for $8 from 12pm until it's time for the first bounce.
Marmont, Southbank
Punters will flock to Crown on Grand Final day. However, you might skip the gaming floors for the restaurants, as Marmont is complementing its screening with limited-edition bar snacks. Renowned for its Cali-inspired flavours, this is your chance to bypass frozen pies and sausage rolls for slightly more refined options, like buffalo wings with blue cheese dressing and Marmont-style hot dogs.
Le Méridien Melbourne, CBD
With the MCG within walking distance of Le Méridien, there's a good chance the sounds of footy fever will reach the five-star stay come Saturday. From inside the hotel's luxe Intermission Bar, you'll catch every second of the game on multiple screens, while enjoying $10 beers all day alongside a special siren-to-siren beer, pie and salad combo for $20.
Harvey's Sports Bar & Grill, St Kilda
Harvey's Sports Bar & Grill is hard to beat when it comes to catching live sports. Yet it's taking things to the next level for the match with Harvey's AFL Grand Party Final. Priced at $110 per person, this four-hour experience features bottomless canapes and drinks. Plus, live DJs, bands and drink specials kick off from the final siren until 3am, making for an all-in final's footy event.
Beverly, South Yarra
Melbourne goes more than a little mad for the AFL Grand Final. However, not everyone cares about who can kick it through the big sticks best. With this in mind, Beverly is hosting Ladies Lunch — an elevated experience on the 24th floor offering a two-course shared set menu highlighting the venue's most beloved dishes. This way, you can relish the citywide atmosphere without feigning interest in who wins out.
Want even more options for catching the game? Check out these beer gardens and bottomless banquets screening the AFL's biggest day.