Whether your team didn’t make it through to finals, you’re still rooting for a spot in the GF, or you don’t even know the first thing about footy, watching the AFL grand finals is a Victorian rite of passage. With beanies and scarves galore, beer and cider being poured by the gallon, and lots of crazy fans about the place, there’s no escaping this game.
So, we recommend really getting into the spirit of the 2023 AFL grand final by getting on down to your closest pub or bar, where drinks are cold and vibes are up. But, this year, instead of just heading over to your local, try somewhere new! We’ve scoured the greater Melbourne area to find venues with AFL deals that are so good you just can’t miss out.
Aviary Hotel
271 Victoria St, Abbotsford, VIC, 3067
Known for being a great local pub with good food, good music, and even better drinks, The Aviary Hotel must be on your list for AFL grand final spots. Fitting over 250 people at full capacity, you are guaranteed a loud and festive time at this Abbotsford favourite.
Gain access to the Aviary’s gorgeous upstairs area with their Siren To Siren Grand Final Package. Gain guaranteed seating, bottomless beer, house wines, Fizzer and soft drink, as well as one of their delicious mains.
Not a fan of bottomless? No worries. Get down early and secure yourself a spot in the Aviary’s large and bright beer garden, where they will be showing the festivities live and loud throughout the entire venue. Book now so you don’t miss out on the fun!
Duke of Edinburgh Hotel
430 Sydney Rd, Brunswick, VIC, 3056
As a well-known and loved Brunswick favourite, all the north-side locals will definitely tell you to head on down to the Duke of Ed Hotel for the AFL grand final. With regular Happy Hour’s throughout the week, the Duke of Ed is perfect any day of the week!
With a red brick exterior – the look of any trustworthy local pub – guarantee yourself a night full of pub feed favourites and classic beers and wines on tap and in the fridge. The spacy bistro and relaxed bar area means all of your friends can come along for the fun.
For the grand final, Duke of Ed is offering up an unmissable deal for all AFL fanatics that walk through their doors. At just $30 a person, enjoy cocktail food and drinks on arrival from 1pm!
Plough Hotel
333 Barkly St, Footscray, VIC, 3011
Situated smack bang in the middle of Footscray, this hotspot is perfect for all those west of the CBD. Whilst the heritage exterior exudes traditional pub vibes, the newly revamped interior adds a modern and slick atmosphere to the Plough.
Do not miss out on the Plough’s food menu, even if it is just for a half time snack (or stress reliever for those supporting the losing side). They’ve got all the favs including steaks, calamari, chicken parmies and steak sandwiches. Yum!
As a definite fav for all locals, make sure you book a spot ahead of time to guarantee yourself a seat right in front of the big screen, where you won’t miss out on any of the excitement. If you can’t make it down for the grand final, not to worry! The Plough is offering up $10 pints during every finals game of the AFL. Sounds like a bargain to me.
[More Info] | [Contact Venue]
Bush Hotel
505 Malvern Rd, Toorak, VIC, 3142
Otherwise known as the Toorak Hotel, the Bush is a historic watering hole for those in the Toorak and Hawksburn area. Having seen quite a few AFL games itself, the Bush knows exactly how to host the perfect grand final bash.
From 12pm game day, head on down to the Bush and take up a spot at the public bar where you and your mates can watch all the action from the screens around the bar. The good vibes, friendly staff and delicious food aren’t the only appealing aspects of the Bush for this year’s grand final – they’ve got a happy hour going! From the anthem to the first goal, enjoy cheap pots, pints, house wines and sparkling, and espresso martinis to start the game off the right way!
The Sandringham Hotel
Beach Rd & Bay Rd, Sandringham, VIC, 3191
Name something more iconically Australian than sitting at a pub, pint in hand, staring at a gorgeous view of the beach. If that’s what you’re looking for, for this year’s AFL grand final, The Sandringham Hotel is the spot for you. Known by locals as “The Sandy” this pub is nothing short of perfect for game day.
From Thursday’s to Saturday’s at the Sandringham, enjoy discounted schooners, gins and cocktails for their 4-6pm happy hour. Perfect timing to celebrate the end of the 2023 season! Plus, enter The Sandy’s footy finals deal, where you can win 1 of 25 $500 bar tabs up on offer! Make sure you tell all your mates so you can have a chance to win!
If you don’t win, not to worry, The Sandy still has delicious pub favs and icy cold beers on tap so everyone can enjoy the game.
The Albion Rooftop
172 York St, South Melbourne, VIC, 3205
With unobstructed skyline views of Melbourne’s CBD, you can’t get a more iconic spot than the Albion to watch the 2023 AFL face-off. This venue features many different levels, including the lounge, with luxurious booths (including one for the DJ) and the rooftop, equipped with heaters for Melbourne’s colder nights. No need to worry about not being able to find a seat!
To make your AFL grand final just a touch more exciting, The Albion is offering a deal you can’t refuse: bottomless lunch from 1:30-4:30! Perfect timing to get in a couple of bevs before the real fun begins. With mouthwatering dishes and a number of lagers, ales, ciders, bubbles and cocktails available it’ll be too hard to choose what you want!
Don’t worry, once the package is done, keep your table as long as you want so the festivities can continue!
EDIT: NOW SOLD OUT
