We’ve picked out six crackers for the big games.

Even if your footy team didn’t make the finals this season, it’s a pretty exciting time as it all ramps up. Whether you’re all about Aussie Rules, rugby league or maybe even American football, there are some big games ahead. And that means quality time with good mates and family, either at the games, at a pub or in front of a TV at someone’s house – maybe even yours.

Regardless of the code or team you support, there will be cheering and commiserating, and, for that, you’re going to need some delicious footy snacks and quality coldies to go with them. So, we’re here to help you stock up with some of the best beers to see you through footy finals fever.

A case of Carlton Dry, which is a lower-carb beer

1. Carlton Dry

We all know Carlton Draught is one of the true old faithfuls still going strong, but its more recent lower-carb addition might even trump the OG when it comes to easy drinking. This is a crisp, refreshing and dry lager made for pretty much every delicious snack that comes out on game day. Keep these on ice and everyone’s happy.

$53.95 case (24)

$22.49 pack (6)

2. Stone & Wood Pacific Ale

If you think lager is the only beer for your game-day event, think again. This bright ale will absolutely meet the brief, even if some guests are true lager loyalists. The Pacifc Ale is full of fresh, tropical flavours, but it’s so well balanced and refreshing that we think it makes a top pick for sipping throughout a tense game. It’s also perfection next to salty hot chips – keep the air fryer going all afternoon.

$77.95 case (24)

$28.49 pack (6)

A bottle of the popular Stone & Wood Pacific Ale

3. Coopers Pale Ale

You can’t go past a classic like Coopers Pale. With its instantly recognisable green label, this fruity and floral South Australian icon is up there with the best. Also available in cans, this beer is full of flavour, with a subtle bitter notes, but it finishes crisp and dry. If you’re cooking up burgers, this is the beer for it, although it would also goes beautifully with anything spicy. A Thai food delivery timed for half-time, perhaps.

$59.95 case (24)

$21.49 pack (6)

4. James Boag’s Premium Lager

This Tassie classic is everything you could want in a lager. Think crisp refreshment in a balanced, lightly bitter beer with a clean, dry finish. You’ll want to make room in the fridge to keep these cold, and make sure the bowls of chips, sausage rolls and party pies keep coming. This will wash it all down nicely.

$59.95 case (24)

$23.99 pack (6)

A bottle of the James Boag’s Premium Lager

A bottle of the VB Mid, which is 3.5% ABV

5. VB Mid

When the action heats up and you’re all yelling at the screen, you want a beer that doesn’t distract. Enter VB Mid. A mid-strength take on the classic, this beer has an ABV of 3.5% and manages to strike that familiar balance of flavour, mild bitterness and refreshment. It’s the perfect accompaniment for tense moments as well as hot dogs with the works – think cheese, pickles, mustard and more.

Member Offer

$50 case (24)Non-Member: $59.99 case (24)

6. Heaps Normal XPA

When a zero%* beer tastes this good, you’re going to need to stock up on more than you might expect. Having a tasty non-alc beer in easy reach is always a winner, and these are the perfect addition to the big day. You get big tropical and citrus aromas, with subtle malt notes and a balanced bitterness. This 0.5% ABV brew is on every great drinks list around the country for good reason.

$63.99 case (24)

$14.99 pack (4)