5 must-dos for footy fans

Every year in September, Australian Football League (AFL, or footy) fans become flushed with finals-fever induced sweats (of the good variety) and Melbourne, as the capital of Australia’s much-loved sport, is the place to be. The holy sporting mecca, aka the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is handily located on the fringe of the city, making it easy to soak up all the atmosphere and excitement that September, and early October, inevitably bring to the city. Here are some of the best ways to get amongst the action:

The sportiest walk in Australia: The MCG and surroundsAustralia’s biggest sporting stadium, the MCG offers much to enjoy, whether or not a game is being played on the well-groomed ground. Footy fans can pick up one of the best kebabs in Australia at George Calombaris’ Gazi and depart the city for the 15 minute walk over William Barak Bridge. From its lofty heights, a glance back shows off a spectacular city skyline (the perfect photo opportunity), a glance down leads to the famous blue courts of Melbourne Park (home of the Australian Open), and a glance sideways presents the famous MCG cricket nets. Back on ground level, the concourse is lined with statues of Aussie sporting legends from the footy and cricket world. Entry through Gate 3 leads to the National Sports Museum where visitors can learn about all things great and good in Australia’s sporting history or join an MCG tour – or do both. After all, too much sport is never enough.

Richmond, Fitzroy, Carlton and Collingwood: more than just footy clubsThe inner city suburbs behind some of the country’s biggest footy clubs are destinations in themselves and are well worth exploring. Each has its own unique colourful character – much like the clubs’ players themselves. Originally working class, these areas are now home to some of the best cafes, bars, boutiques and restaurants in town as well as a high street deserving of at least a couple of hours of wandering. Swan Street in Richmond, Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, Lygon Street in Carlton and Smith Street in Collingwood are all good places to start. The side streets are worth checking out too – world class street art and cool cafes abound.

A pot and a parma in a classic Melbourne pubThey are as rare these days as 100-goal-kicking full forwards, but good, old fashioned pubs with unfussy beers (along with one or two craft varieties) on tap, plate-sized parmas, footy memorabilia on the wall and locals who can talk in misty-eyed detail about that one and only St Kilda premiership are gems that are definitely worth seeking out. Some of the best spots to soak up the laid back local vibe include: The London Tavern, The Standard Hotel, The Napier Hotel, Union Bar, Great Northern Hotel, Lord Newry Hotel and North Fitzroy Arms

Grand Final Week shenanigansThere is a bunch of fun stuff happening for footy fans and families during the biggest week of the year, mostly centred around the MCG. Check out the Toyota AFL Grand Final Live Site from Wednesday to Saturday featuring a kids zone, stage activities and player appearances, eat great food at the Lifestyle Taste of Football, and find a good spot to cheer on the Grand Final Parade game eve (also a public holiday) between Old Treasury Building and the MCG live site.

Post-match recoveryThe perfect opportunity to refuel and debrief after the finals frenzy – and to read the newspapers’ front-to-back analysis – is over Melbourne’s favourite meal, brunch. Cafes such as Hardware Societe, Cumulus Inc and Manchester Press are all top picks to start the day. For famously good Melbourne coffee, Market Lane, Dukes and Industry Beans all serve a brew that is guaranteed to put the pep back in any step. Those too weary to seek out a map or a review can rest assured, it is almost impossible to find a bad brunch or coffee in and around the city.