The citywide sea of red jerseys and scarfs last weekend for the Swans’ preliminary finals are an indicator of the number of fans that will flock to venues this Saturday to watch the AFL Grand Final between the Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions. As the two teams clash at the MCG, Sydneysiders have no choice but to find the best screens – with the best food and drink options – and watch the clash in town. Here are our picks to catch the game on Saturday.
Curly Lewis Brewing, Bondi Beach The Curly Lewis is used to sandy-toed clients streaming in from the beachfront, but on Saturday afternoon fans will be dressed top to toe in red and white, blending in with the Swans banners camouflaging the venue. Two big projectors will shine on the wall while patrons sit among the beer tanks. The deals this weekend include $25 Bondi Hazy jugs and live music after the game, while on the menu will be elevated pub-food classics like prawn toast with Vietnamese mint and yuzu mayo, and fish battered in Bondi Hazy Ale with a mixed salad, chips and tartare sauce.
102-106 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach, curlylewis.com.au The Dolphin, Surry Hills The Swans crowd at The Dolphin will be loud, electric and tucking into tap beer deals such as Heaps Normal for $6, and Hahn Super Dry at $8.
A special cocktail, the Swan Song Spritz (Campari, passionfruit, sparkling wine and lemon juice) will be available for $15, but only if you are wearing the team colours. At half-time, there is an auction for a signed 2.