AFL Grand Final party venues for party animals, retirees - even West Coast fans

WHETHER you're a mad Dockers fan, party animal, retired or a DINK, we have your perfect guide of where you can go this Grand Final day. Hottest venues

No matter who you are, there's a place for you to party this Grand Final day. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

WHETHER you're a mad Dockers fan - or even an Eagle - party animal, retired or a DINK, we have your perfect guide of where you can go this Grand Final day.

Fremantle is bracing for some serious partying by Dockers fans, with the streets expected to fill with revellers well ahead of the Grand Final.

Perth's roads were unusually quiet on Friday morning as many workers pulled an extra-long weekend, given they already have Monday off for the Queen's Birthday public holiday.

The streets of Fremantle were also quiet, except for pubs frantically doing some last-minute stocking-up, and with so many die-hard fans having flown to Melbourne for the big match.

But that was expected to change come nightfall, when those who couldn't make the journey will put bartenders through their paces.

``It's going to be a big Friday night I would think,'' a spokesman for the City of Fremantle said.

``A lot of people will be getting in early for celebrations.''

Network Ten's The Project will do a special live cross from Fremantle's Henderson Street Mall from 5pm (WST) and will no doubt catch some of that action.

The port city's famous cappuccino strip of South Terrace - where even the coffees are emblazoned with the Docker's anchor logo - will be closed between High Street and Norfolk Streets for 24 hours from 6am on Saturday, when three 6m outdoor television screens will be set up to display the game live.

About 20,000 people are expected to flock there.

``As soon as those roads close in the morning, it will be a hive of activity,'' the spokesman said.

The Australian Hotels Association (AHA) is upset by media reports suggesting there'll be many a boozy breakfast, with pubs allowed to open from 7am.

But of the 14 Fremantle venues surveyed by the AHA, just three intend to serve alcohol before 10am, with the earliest starting at 8am. Patrons may well ask them to open the taps sooner.

FAMILIES

While the whole of the Fremantle event is being billed as family-friendly, those with children may prefer Kings Square, which will be particularly child-friendly on the day.

The outdoor area will have space for families to watch the game on big screens as well as face painting and entertainment for the kids.

PARTY ANIMALS AND SINGLES

Party animals be warned: authorities will be clamping down on anti-social behaviour and street drinking.

But a good time can be had at any of the Fremantle's well known pubs such as the Sail and Anchor, which is among the thick of the action on South Terrace, or across town at the Left Bank, where the courtyard is expected to play host to a younger set.

Away from Fremantle, and the game is being televised on 100 screens across the Crown resort at Burswood.

There's also the Rooftop Bar at the Brass Monkey in Northbridge.

DOUBLE INCOME, NO KIDS

DINKS, with no children to worry about and not on a beer budget, may like Benny's, with its Dockers Pavlova cocktails. The bad news is, if you haven't secured your berth now, you're too late.

The venue is booked out. There are still some tables up for grabs at the Left Bank restaurant.

The venue has stopped taking bookings so it will be first in best dressed.

EMPTY NESTERS

Cafes may be more your style than the pub, so head to somewhere like Gino's on South Terrace. But get in quick. You can't book.

RETIRED

Footy fan on a budget? Take a packed lunch, soak up the atmosphere and take in the action on the big screens in South Terrace. It's free. Or join the families in Kings Square.

WEST COAST EAGLES FAN

It won't be your day. Adopt an `if you can't beat them, join them' attitude and join the Dockers fans in Fremantle, side with the Hawks at the Inglewood Hotel or stay neutral on home turf at the Subi Hotel.