Go Lions! Where to watch the AFL grand final in Brisbane

Ruth Hurst has been a fan of the Lions since 1987, watching the former Brisbane Bears play at the Gabba and Metricon Stadium since she was a teen. But she hasn’t been to a grand final at the MCG since 2004.

“It was the year after the three-peat. We left my two small boys with my mother here in Brisbane – they ran amok and she almost had a nervous breakdown…

“We watched the Lions lose, which was very sad, and we haven’t been back since.”

Brisbane Lions fans Ruth and John Hurst will be watching the AFL Grand Final with friends at the Sunnybank Hotel.

On Saturday, the 56-year-old business owner and her husband John will be cheering on the Lions at the Sunnybank Hotel with a dozen of their best friends.

“It’s got really nice big screens. They’ve got $12.50 jugs of beer, which is a bargain because it’s a long game. It’ll be loud, especially if we’re winning.

“I feel deep down that [the Lions] are gonna take it this year. We’re gonna win it.”

If you’re not making the pilgrimage south this year, then relax: pretty much every pub in Brisbane will have a screen tuned to the match.

Brisbane fans show their support during the 2023 AFL Grand Final at the MCG. If you can’t be there in person, then where can you go?Credit: Getty Images

But for a true sea of maroon, blue and gold we recommend the following spots – including official AFL Queensland live sites.

South Bank AFL Live Site

Head to South Bank’s Cultural Forecourt, just outside QPAC. Watch the game coverage live from 1pm – but note, the site is alcohol-free. South Bank Parklands, Little Stanley Street, South Brisbane

South Bank Streets Beach

Saturday’s looking to be a cool day with the chance of rain – not the best conditions for a dip in the pool, but the option to relax on the sand is there while the game plays out on big screens. South Bank Parklands, Little Stanley Street, South Brisbane

The Pineapple Hotel. Credit: Pineapple Hotel

The Pineapple Hotel

While the upstairs is fully booked the rest of the hotel is reserved for walk-ins, with multiple giant screens and a competition for best dressed. 706 Main Street, Kangaroo Point

Norman Hotel

Expect the faithful to be out in force at this popular steakhouse in a beautiful 1889 building, but book ahead to avoid disappointment. 102 Ipswich Rd, Woolloongabba

Story Bridge Hotel

The pub is once again hosting an AFL Grand Final Street Party from noon with entertainment and giveaways, as well as the big clash on big screens. No bookings are required but arriving early is recommended. The Shelter Bar, 200 Main Street, Kangaroo Point

Shafston Hotel

The Shafston on Lytton Road has coastal playground atmosphere and big-screen sports. For the grand final they’ll be offering live entertainment and firing up the spit to roast a whole pig. 3 Lytton Road, East Brisbane

Australian National Hotel

Just across from the Gabba, the Aussie Nash is a sports-mad pub and a popular hang for Lions devotees. They have about 20 screens, and they’ll all be playing the game. Bookings are advised. 867 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba

Lions @ Springwood

The Lions’ official social club is adding extra screens for the game, and members who download the app are entitled to special deals. Booking is essential. 2 Pannikin Street, Rochedale South

Morrison Hotel

The Morrison is offering $30 wings and a beer, or $38 for a 330-gram rump and a beer, with the final live and loud. 640 Stanley St, Woolloongabba

Felons Barrel Hall.Credit: Courtesy of Felons Brewing Co

Felons Barrel Hall

The event will be streaming across three gigantic screens both inside the hall and outdoors on the Rivergarden Lawn. Arrival about 11am is recommended for the best spots. Howard Smith Wharves, 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane

The Plough Inn

The large stadium screen will be showing the game, and live music will take over after the final siren. 29 Stanley Street Plaza, South Bank

Pig and Whistle, King George Square.Credit: Tony Moore

Pig & Whistle

The P&W’s five Brisbane venues are famous for screening sports and should offer a cracking AFL final, but you’ll have to book a table. West End, Brunswick Street, King George Square, Indooroopilly & Riverside