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Grand Final beers: The best brews from each team’s heartland

Read time 3 Mins

Posted 09 Sep 2022

By
Lara Chan-Baker

As Geelong and Sydney compete for AFL glory, crack open one of these to show your support. 

If you’re a proud Cat or Swan, it’s been a good footy season for you. But this is no time to rest on one’s laurels. With Geelong and Sydney about to go head to head in the AFL Grand Final this weekend, both teams will be needing the full support of their fans. And with everything left to play for, the pointy end of the season calls for a winning strategy on and off the field. 

Wherever your heart lies, we’ve rounded up the best craft brews from each club’s heartland to complete the game day outfit. Still mourning a finals loss? Don’t sweat it – we’ve got beers for you, too. And if you couldn’t care less about the footy, well at least you can enjoy a winning brew. Grab your scarf, throw on your team colours, and read on to taste true glory with these footy finals beers.

Still in the gameWhile it pains me to say this as a Doggies devotee (woof!), it’s all about Geelong and Sydney this weekend. The Swans have won nine consecutive matches – impressive, but the Cats have won a whopping 15 in a row. We don’t know who’s going to win, but we do know both cities are home to some extraordinary beers.
Furphy crisp lager

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Geelong: Furphy Crisp Lager

They finished the season at the top, then went on to absolutely wallop Brisbane in their preliminary final by 71 points. Things are looking good for the Cats, but they’re not the only legends that call the Victorian city their home. Furphy is as synonymous with Geelong as Kardinia Park, so the local brewery’s a no-brainer for fans of this year’s minor premiers. Their latest release, Furphy Crisp Lager, does exactly what it says on the box, making it perfect for footy finals. Brewed with 100% Victorian hops and malt, it’s an easy-drinking instant classic sure to complete your game-day garb.

Sydney: The Grifter Brewing Co. Serpents Kiss Watermelon Pilsner

Sydney are back in the Grand Final after a finals heartbreak last year that may have left fans feeling a little sour. Channelling that desire for a better finish this time around, The Grifter Brewing Co.’s Serpents Kiss Watermelon Pilsner is a suitable signing for your Swannies stubby holder. Fresh out of their Marrickville brewery, it’s a new world pilsner fermented with real world watermelon, subtly fruity with a delightful finish. Just what the Swans need. And with the season they’ve had, it might just be their year. Can they do it for Buddy? Time will tell.
The Grifter Brewing Co.’s Serpents Kiss Watermelon Pilsner

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Knocked outNow, the rest of the eight might be out of the race already, but they still deserve some celebrating for making it that far. You might not get the flag, but at least you can have a tasty beer while you mourn.
Craft & Co Draught

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Collingwood: The Craft & Co Draught

Ah, The Pies. They’re the club everyone loves to hate, but this delightful draught from local brewery (and distillery and winery) The Craft & Co will make a Collingwood fan of any beer-lover. Taking out top honours at the 2021 Sydney Beer & Cider Show, it’s bursting with delicate fruity aromas and features the ideal crisp finish. So, raise a glass and belt out those infamous lyrics with pride: “Oh, the premiership’s a cakewalk for the good old Collingwood.” Turns out it’s not, but what a tune.

Brisbane: Green Beacon Brewing Co 7 Bells Passion Fruit Sour

Green Beacon Brewing Co and The Brisbane Lions are two of the city’s youngest icons (formed in 2013 and 1996, respectively), both having enjoyed massive success fast. Coincidence, or something in the water? That remains to be seen. Either way, the stats bode far better for Green Beacon’s 7 Bells Passionfruit Sour than the Lion’s finals hopes. Thirst-quenching and refreshingly tart, it’s a game-day essential for Brissy fans.
Grean Beacon Brewing Co 7 Bells Passonfruit Sour

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Little Creatures Squeaky Clean IPA

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Fremantle: Little Creatures Squeaky Clean

Though The Dockers continue their quest for a maiden premiership, iconic Fremantle brewery Little Creatures is no stranger to silverware. This award-winning outfit is a west coast icon, and a worthy MVP contender for Freo fans. Their new low-calorie Squeaky Clean IPA is a tropical flavour bomb featuring big hoppy notes, a good hit of citrus and crisp, pleasing bitterness.

Melbourne: Urban Alley Brewery Lager

The Demons are the oldest club of any football code in the world and, of course, last year’s champs. All eyes were on the Dees to defend the title this season, but with that journey now over, turn your eyes to what Urban Alley Brewery are up to. They’re Melbourne’s only CBD brewery and their classic Lager is a fine fit for Dees fans looking for refreshment and tried-and-true flavour. Clean, malty and with a touch of spice, it’s a safe bet for footy finals.
Urben Alley Brewery Lager

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Hop Nation J Juice New England Indian Pale Ale

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Western Bulldogs: Hop Nation J Juice NEIPA

When it comes to craft beer, winemakers-turned-beer-brewers Hop Nation are Footscray royalty. For Doggies fans, their experimental small-batch beers are just the thing to be sipping while debating with your mates what the hell went wrong. Captain’s pick? The J Juice New England Indian Pale Ale. It’s unfiltered and ultra hazy, with a lovely citrus aroma thanks to Riwaka, Nelson Sauvin, Citra and Mosaic hops.

Richmond: Mountain Goat Very Enjoyable Beer

In what has to go down as one of the most bonkers games of footy seen in some time, Brisbane ended Richmond’s finals gambit with a heart-stopping two-point win thanks to a contentious overturned goal ruling. Sad for the Tigers, but great if you love a bit of drama. Someone who’s very much still in the running for glory? The legends at Mountain Goat – consistent heavy-hitters for over two decades. Their Very Enjoyable Beer stands the test of time thanks to its down-to-earth, no-nonsense taste. This winning craft brew was never in doubt.
Mountain Goat Very Enjoyable Beer

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Looking for a place to catch all the AFL footy finals action? Take a look at our roundup of the best pubs to watch the AFL Grand Final.
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Lara Chan-BakerWine lover, crumbed food-appreciator, and Editor in Chief at Dan's Daily.
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Hit ListCraft BeerAustralian productsBeerAFL Grand Final
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