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Where to watch the Footy Finals Melbourne

Author
Trina S
3 min mins read 3 August 2025
Melbourne Footy Finals Fever
🍻 Why Red Rock Venues Are Your Ultimate Footy Finals Venues

As we roll through the AFL and NRL finals series toward the AFL Grand Final and NRL Grand Final, enjoy big-screen coverage, drink specials, pub food, and a communal roar at every goal and try.
Turf Sports Bar leads the pack for biggest screens and pure sport energy. P.J.O’Brien’s, Ludlow, and Hophaus bring riverside charm and lively ambiance. Temperance Hotel is your friendly local, and The Precinct gives you the Richmond footy‑heartland vibes.


AFL & NRL Grand Finals

The 2025 AFL Grand Final is set for Saturday 27 September at the MCG in Melbourne, with a 2:30 pm kickoff local time.
The NRL Grand Final is scheduled for Sunday 5 October 2025 at Accor Stadium in Sydney.


What to Do?

Whether you’re in Melbourne soaking in AFL — or in cheering on your NRL side from the big screen — Red Rock Venues offer the perfect setting: footy on big screens, cold beers, relaxed vibes, and electric atmosphere. Here’s to the Grand Final weekends—bring on the thrill, the cheers, the beers and the celebrations!

🍻 Game Day Tips

  • Book early: Finals crowds mean tables fill fast.

  • Show up early for pre‑game eats and snag the best seats.

  • Dress in your club colours—scarves, jerseys, face paint—you name it, bring it.

  • Stick around after the siren—either bask in the win or bond over defeat, with a cold drink and good craic.  Live music at some venues after the game.

Melbourne Red Rock Venues

Where to cheer, drink, eat and soak in the footy atmosphere—all in Melbourne style.

1. Turf Sports Bar – Melbourne CBD (131 Queen St)

Big screens, surround‑sound speakers, private booths, pool tables—Turf Sports Bar brings footy fever to the city. Whether your team’s chasing finals glory or your heart’s with the underdog, Turf serves it up loud with classic pub fare, pizzas, local beers on tap, and drink specials that keep the cheers flowing all season—from qualifying finals right through to the Grand Final.
Bring mates, wear scarves, settle into the warm, buzzing atmosphere—and raise a pint as your team chases glory.


2. P. J.O’Brien’s – Southbank

This beloved Irish pub has been a Melbourne fixture for over 25 years. Expect warm hospitality, live music Tue–Sun, and classic pub meals paired with Guinness flowing, broad whisky, beer, and a curated wine list.
Watch the AFL & NRL Finals series and settle into P.J.O’Brien’s for the Grand Finals live & loud on the big screens, followed by live music after the game.


3. Hophaus – Southbank

Riverside, modern, relaxed. Hophaus offers sweeping views of the Yarra and a contemporary beer‑hall style experience. Footy action on big screens, while you set yourself up among beer garden tables with city views.
Perfect for fans who want a footy day out with atmosphere, a range of draught beers worldwide to choose from, and the warmth of a great riverside location—a great spot to watch the AFL & NRL Grand Finals.


4. Temperance Hotel – Chapel Street, South Yarra

A South Yarra local pub with a chilled, friendly vibe. Known for its solid pub meals (Parma nights, Sunday roasts), beer garden and curb side seating, & pub friendly atmosphere. 
Watch the AFL & NRL footy finals & grand final live at Temperance in a relaxed pub setting.


5. Ludlow Bar – Southbank, Yarra River

A buzzy, riverside venue with city & river views, beer garden terrace, and a public bar where you can watch AFL & NRL finals.
Enjoy the game then kick back at Ludlow Bar and enjoy a meal and drinks with friends.


6. The Precinct Hotel – Richmond

A vibrant spot in Richmond, close to the Melbourne Sports Precinct.  Live sport across multiple screens, great atmosphere and classic pub energy.
Close enough for friends heading to the MCG or Marvel Stadium for finals—stop in for a pre‑ or post‑game pint, and be in the heart of footy‑fan territory at The Precinct Hotel.