For only the second time in the club’s history, Fremantle are playing in the AFL Grand Final. Pubs across Perth are going all out for it.
Whether you’re one of the lucky supporters heading to the MCG, keen to get amongst it over the long weekend, being dragged to a Grand Final viewing by mates, or just simply footy mad, there’s an event or screen in a suburb near you.
Plenty of Perth pubs will be pulling out all the stops for the big dance with drinks, food, and big screens galore. In Fremantle, the whole city centre is being turned into one big viewing site. Here’s where to watch it.
The AFL Grand Final
If you’ve been hiding under a rock or just aren’t that into footy, you may not know much about this weekend’s big game. Here are the basics of what you need to know.
Things to do in Perth
Who’s playing in the final?
It’ll be the Fremantle Dockers vs the Brisbane Lions.
Fun fact: The two clubs have never met in a final before. Brisbane is playing its fourth Grand Final in a row and chasing a third straight premiership, after beating Sydney in 2024 and Geelong last year. Fremantle’s only other Grand Final was the 2013 loss to Hawthorn, and the club is still chasing its first flag.
Where is the final played?
As (almost) always, the AFL Grand Final is played at the MCG.
What time is the game?
The game starts at 2:30 pm AEST or 12:30 pm AWST (Perth time).
Fremantle’s free live sites
If you want to be in Freo when the siren goes, and when Wharfie Time takes over the MCG, the City of Fremantle has set up four free big-screen sites across the city centre: the Cappuccino Strip, Walyalup Koort, Esplanade Reserve, and the corner of Market and High Streets. They’re open from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm.
Esplanade Reserve is the family-friendly zone, and Walyalup Koort is the accessible zone. You can bring a folding chair to either. Space on the Cappuccino Strip is tight, and you may not be able to sit down there.
All four sites are alcohol-free. The City expects up to 40,000 people across the city centre on the day, and roads from Fremantle Station to the Fremantle Markets close from midday Friday, so walk, ride, or catch the train if you can. The full details are on the City of Fremantle website.
The Federal Hotel
The Fed is closing Paddy Troy Mall and turning it, along with the pub, into one huge Grand Final watch party from 10:00 am. Extra big screens, bars, and kitchens are going in for the day, and once the siren goes, the party moves into the beer garden for live entertainment.
Final-release tickets are on sale now through The Federal Hotel.
Mojos
Mojos in North Fremantle has a screen inside and one out in the courtyard, both running through the house sound system, and doors open at 10:00 am. Entry is $20.00 and includes a drink on arrival. Bloody Marys and Mimosas are on special, and the kitchen runs all day.
Tickets are through Mojos.
The Leederville Precinct
Newcastle Street is shutting down again for The Big Dance, which makes this one a contender for the best Grand Final party in Perth.
Giant screens run throughout the precinct, and more than a thousand fans are expected. After the game, live bands and DJs keep it going well into the night. Entry starts at $22.00 with a drink on arrival, and bigger packages will keep you fed and watered all afternoon. It’s always a sell-out, so secure tickets through The Leederville Precinct if you want to go.
Samuels on Mill
Samuels on Mill is backing the purple army, with the game live and loud on the big screen from the 12:30 pm bounce. Entry is free, but it’s walk-ins only, so get to Samuels on Mill early if you want a spot with a view.
Optus Stadium
The game isn’t being played at the best stadium in Australia, but the Dockers’ home ground is still throwing them a party. AFL Grand Final in the Park is free and runs from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm in Stadium Park. The game will be on the outdoor Amphitheatre screen, with food trucks and a bar. Details are on the Optus Stadium website.
The Camfield
It wouldn’t be a complete where-to-watch list without the iconic Camfield making an appearance.
It sits directly outside Optus Stadium and is unofficially known as the home of football. Comedian Daniel Delby is back to host. The $140.00 ticket includes free-flowing beer, wine, spirits, and soft drinks, plus a shared footy platter, with the game on two giant screens in The Hall. Last year sold out, so get your tickets early through The Camfield.
The Cottesloe Beach Hotel
If you’d rather watch the game with a sea breeze, The Beach Club at the Cottesloe Beach Hotel opens at 11:00 am, with the game streaming on big screens throughout the venue. Roaming beer trays, Huey’s Buckets, slushies, and tray-packed drinks are on hand, and the kitchen is doing chicken wings and loaded fries. It doesn’t wind up at the final siren, so you can stay on for the tunes and see out the day there. Book a spot at The Beach Club.
Baillie Hill
Baillie Hill in East Victoria Park is making its Grand Final debut this year. The Decider takes over the whole venue, including the beer garden, front bar, and deck, so there’s room to spread out without the usual pub crush. Everything is brewed and distilled on site, with specials running all day.
Entry is $20.00 with a drink on arrival, and the resident DJ takes over once the siren sounds. Tickets are through Baillie Hill.
The Lucky Shag
The Lucky Shag in Barrack Square has the game on screens right on the river, with footy specials running from 11:00 am. For something bigger, head up to the rooftop for a free-flow package at $100.00 per person, or $75.00 for the boozeless version. Groups of 15 to 30 can also book a group package that’s fully redeemable on food and drinks on the day. A DJ takes over after the final siren, and the party runs until 11:00 pm. Book through The Lucky Shag.
Hotel Rottnest
Planning on being on Rottnest Island on game day?
Hotel Rottnest sits just steps from the sand at Thomson Bay, and doors open at 10:30 am for the pre-game coverage. The match will be on every screen, and entry is free. Table bookings are already gone, but plenty of space is being kept for walk-ins, so get there early. DJ Budha plays once the siren sounds. All the details are on the Hotel Rottnest website.
Pirate Life Perth
If you’re staying in the city, Pirate Life Perth will have the game on the screens with the volume turned up. From 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, there’s a lunch special that pairs a beef or halloumi burger, a spicy dog, or a chicken sandwich with a Pirate Life pint or house wine. It’s a popular spot on a big day, so book a table through Pirate Life Perth if you want a decent view.
Market Grounds
One of the biggest inner-city pubs in the country is going bottomless again. Packages start at $95.00 and include an Aperol Spritz, selected tap beers, and wines, plus a footy platter of sliders, party pies, and sausage rolls for the table. The VIP package adds front-row seats and access to a grazing station. Book your spot through Market Grounds.
The Stables Bar
Game Day is back on the ground floor. From midday, $109.00 gets you two and a half hours of selected tap beers, wines, and spirits, plus a shared footy platter for you and your mates. Book through The Stables Bar.
BrewDog
BrewDog is turning its West Perth brewpub into a Perth Fan Zone, with giant screens and stadium sound. Early bird tickets include a drink and a raffle entry, and there are prizes up for grabs on the day. Tickets are through BrewDog.
The Generous Squire
The Generous Squire has the game live and loud, a game day platter of chef’s selections, and live music once the game’s over. Reserve a table through The Generous Squire.
The Guildford Hotel
The Hall at The Guildford is set up for the game this year, with VIP tables for up to six that include a footy share platter and a bar tab. Walk-ins and general reservations are welcome too, but given how popular The Guildford is, it’s likely to fill up fast, so get in early and grab a table. Bookings are through The Guildford Hotel.
Varsity
Varsity is for beers, sports, and burgers — three of our favourite things in life.
It’s one of the best sports bars in Perth and always buzzing with fans, but you can be sure it’ll be extra loud on Grand Final day. There are no tickets or packages to worry about. Arrive early to grab the best seats in the house and enjoy dirty burgers, belly-filling pizzas, fiery hot wings, and tap beers as you try to have a conversation over the deafening big-screen noise.
The Waverley
The Waverley at Westfield Carousel in Cannington is a gastro pub with its own nanobrewery, pouring beer brewed on site, and it puts the big games up on its screens. Book a table through The Waverley.
