<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nTell us what you\u2019re up to for the big day<\/h2>\n
It\u2019s a big day for footy fans, but especially those in Melbourne and Brisbane. <\/p>\n
We would love to share your experience of the grand final so use the form below to tell us where you are, who you\u2019re with and what you\u2019re doing (you can send a picture too).<\/p>\n
Can\u2019t wait to see how you\u2019re celebrating. <\/p>\n
PM backs Collingwood to win grand final<\/h2>\n
Turning now to the AFL grand final breakfast, where the prime minister and opposition are in attendance along with other dignatories. <\/p>\n
The annual grand final breakfast got underway at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre about 8.30am, kicking off AFL\u2019s biggest day of the year.<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has told the crowd he is tipping Collingwood to take the flag.<\/p>\n
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AFL chair Richard Goyder at the grand final breakfast this morning. <\/span>Credit: <\/span>Simon Schluter<\/cite><\/p>\nOpposition leader Peter Dutton donned the maroon and gold scarf in support for the Brisbane Lions, seated at the head table alongside the PM, pollies and AFL dignitaries.<\/p>\n
AFL chairman Richard Goyder paid tribute to AFL hall of famer, the late Allen Aylett, at South Bank.<\/p>\n
Goyder has announced the number one selection at the men\u2019s national draft will be awarded a medal in his honour, recognising his contribution to the development and growth of the game.<\/p>\n
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Opposition Leader Peter Dutton showing his support for the Brisbane Lions. <\/span>Credit: <\/span>Simon Schluter<\/cite><\/p>\nThe AFL executive has also paid tribute to the late Ron Barassi\u2019s \u201cmassive contribution to the game\u201d.<\/p>\n
He said the AFL will work with Barassi\u2019s family to decide the best way to recognise his contribution, and will announce when the tribute will be held early next year.<\/p>\n
Where to watch the AFL and NRL grand finals in Brisbane<\/h2>\n
The Brisbane Lions will face Collingwood in the 2023 AFL grand final this afternoon.<\/p>\n
Pretty much every pub in town will have a screen tuned to the match, held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, but for the best experience we recommend the spots listed below, including official AFL Queensland live sites.<\/p>\n
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Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan and his players.<\/span>Credit: <\/span>Getty Images<\/cite><\/p>\nDaylight saving kicks in at midnight on Sunday in the southern states, so Sunday\u2019s 2023 NRL grand final between the Brisbane Broncos and Penrith Panthers at Sydney\u2019s Accor Stadium will kick off at 6.30pm Queensland time.<\/p>\n
The atmosphere will be most electric in the homelands near Suncorp Stadium: at Red Hill and Petrie Terrace.<\/p>\n
Click here to read the story.<\/p>\n
Eight great Melbourne pubs to watch the AFL grand final at (no bookings required)<\/h2>\n
Looking for somewhere last minut to watch the AFL grand final with atmosphere, authenticity, cold beer and great parmas? A classic Melbourne pub ticks all the boxes. Carn the Pies \u2013 or Lions for everyone else \u2013 and prepare for cheers, good-natured jeers, spilt beers and the feeling of being part of a passionate tribe united in victory (or defeat) for a few hours.<\/p>\n
Here are eight classic pubs, rebooted and ready to give you the ultimate grand final day out (short of actually being at the MCG). Bonus points for not needing a booking, but get there early to avoid disappointment.<\/p>\n
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The front bar at the London Tavern is steeped in footy history.<\/span>Credit: <\/span>Paul Jeffers<\/cite><\/p>\nThe London Tavern, Richmond<\/strong><\/p>\nIts proximity to the mighty \u2019G makes this grand old boozer the perfect spot for a De Goey or Daniher debrief before or after the game. But if you didn\u2019t nab a ticket, it\u2019s also a cracking spot to watch the action on the big screens. The beer garden will be the prime viewing spot this sunny Saturday. For a bucket-list footy experience, jostle for a spot among the diehards in the main bar while sipping Carlton Draught and yelling at players who\u2019ll never hear you. Walk-ins only from 9am.<\/p>\n
Click here to read the story.<\/p>\n
The best-laid plans…<\/h2>\n
The schedule for grand final day is a finely tuned thing.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s as carefully calibrated as any stage show, with acts wheeled on and off in the blink of an eye, and everyone from musicians to retiring stars of the game to umpires and the players themselves having a mark they are expected to hit.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s so much scope for something to go wrong it must come as an almighty relief when the game itself finally gets underway.<\/p>\n