But there’s still lots to cheer on September 30 when the 2023 AFL Grand Final returns to the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
There’s plenty of Perth pubs offering packages from bounce down at 12.30pm to the final siren, and beyond.
Here’s 10 of the best to help you organise that one big day in September.
1. THE CAMFIELD Sports Pub, AFL Grand Final
While the Grand Final won’t be held at Optus Stadium this year, the next best thing is to hit the big pub next door where there will be plenty of action.
Tickets are $135 per punter and an all-inclusive beverage and food package — that’s free-flowing tap beers and wines, plus a two-course shared meal — from midday to the final siren.
Perth comedian Daniel Delby and former West Coast Eagle Chris Masten host what should be a HUGE day. Bookings essential.
2. MARKET GROUNDS City Bar, Grand Final Package
The city bar offers a siren to siren package of free-flowing wine, beer, cider, sparkling and Aperol Spritz plus a footy platter featuring sliders, wings, arancini balls and more for $89 per person. Make sure you book.
3. PHAT BREW CLUB Microbrewery, Craft Beer, AFL Grand Final
Get crafty at the City West microbrewery, which offers selected tap beers and house wines from siren to siren with a burger or hotdog for $75 per player.
Phat Brew Club, which opens 11am on September 30, are extending their beer garden on Grand Final Day and have a large outdoor screen.
4. THE CLAREMONT Western Suburbs, AFL Grand Final, Ultimate Package
After its multi-million dollar revamp, the western suburbs favourite hosts its first AFL Grand Final day.
The Claremont Hotel’s ultimate package costs $170 per head and includes bottomless tap beers, a barbecue buffet selection, half-time Bunnings style sausage size and live music post-game.
One for the cashed-up Eagles members? Bookings essential.
5. THE GLOBE Wellington Street, City Pub, Charity Event
Not all the action will be at the ‘G when the Globe on Wellington Street in the city invites footy fans to “Kill the Keg” for a good cause.
Pay $10 to join the team drinking through the first keg of Pirate Life South Coast Pale Ale after the final siren, with every dollar donated going to the WA All Abilities Football Association.
Reserve a table for the Globe’s $69 per person beverage package of two hours of house frothies and wine, plus your choice of a classic parmi, fish ‘n’ chips or superfood salad.
6. THE BENTLEY Albany Highway, Live Screening, Shared Plates
Rock icons KISS aren’t the only ones to “Keep it simple, stupid”.
The Bentley Hotel on Albany Highway will screen the big match live and loud on big screens accompanied by shared plates of footy favourites — party pies, sausage rolls, spring rolls, sliders and chips — plus a free pint on arrival for just $20 per fan.
No need to don the grease paint. Just roll up on the day.
7. THE PENINSULA Mandurah Pub, Beer Garden, Raffle
The popular Mandurah pub cranks up the big screen in the beer garden with footy food specials plus a raffle to win a framed AFL guernsey of your choice. Bookings recommended.
8. THE ROYAL East Perth Pub, Stadium Box, Post-game DJ
Enjoy an AFL Grand Final day fit for a king or queen, when the East Perth pub offers a Stadium box, featuring a burger, fried chicken and chips, and a Swan Draught pint for $29.
The match will be on big screens with a post-game DJ and prizes. Bookings recommended.
9. THE CIVIC HOTEL Inglewood Institution, Live Screening, Food and Drink Specials
The Inglewood institution fires up the band room to play the GF on big screens live and loud.
For $10, punters get a great view of the match as well as a pint on arrival. The Civic will also be flogging their classic chicken parmis and steak sangas. No booking required.
10. THE STABLES City Establishment, Game Day, Beverage Package
Get ready for Game Day on the Ground Floor at this popular city establishment.
For $90 per person, enjoy a three-hour beverage package from midday to final siren of selected tap frothies and vino, plus a shared footy platter for you and your mates. Bookings are a must.