10 Melbourne bars and pubs you’re bound to bump into an AFL player
Want to party with an AFL star? Whether you’re after an autograph, a chance to say g’day, or a drink — here’s where you’re most likely to spot an AFL player on a night out in Melbourne.
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If you’re looking to party with some of the AFL’s biggest names, bars and pubs around Melbourne are a good place to start.
The Herald Sun spoke to members of the AFL community and a range of Melbourne venues to create a list of footy’s party hot spots.
Here’s where you’re most likely to run into footballers around the city.
PEEK INSIDE HOMES OF AFL ELITE
FORGOTTEN FOOTY SHOWS OF THE PAST
THE ALBION
172 York St, South Melbourne
There couldn’t be a better place to spot an AFL player than at a bar owned by an ex-Collingwood star.
AFL legend Dane Swan part-owns South Melbourne rooftop bar The Albion, attracting players to the venue most weeks.
The mammoth three-level venue rose from the ashes of a 2015 arson attack and reopened its doors in February last year.
It boasts one of Melbourne’s larger rooftop bars, with sweeping views of the city skyline.
Players from various clubs party at the venue, but the bar is a favourite for Swan’s former Collingwood teammates.
BOND MELBOURNE
24 Bond St, Melbourne
Bond has held the AFL players’ Grand Final party over the past three years.
Collingwood mourned their nailbiting Grand Final loss at the venue last year, swooping in to take claim of the bar before the West Coast Eagles.
A staff member revealed to the Herald Sun the Eagles had hoped to keep their celebrations rolling at the venue, but had a change of heart once they knew the Pies had beaten them to it.
Richmond players partied at the bar after their Grand Final win in 2017.
The Western Bulldogs also kicked on at the venue in 2016, after breaking their 62-year premiership drought.
THE EMERSON
141-145 Commercial Rd, South Yarra
The West Coast Eagles opted for The Emerson last year for Grand Final after-party celebrations.
The ritzy club and cocktail bar has a rooftop lounge and private booths.
BROWNY’S BIG SUPERCOACH DILEMMA
PUBLIC HOUSE
433-435 Church St, Richmond
Situated in the heart of Tigerland, Public House is known to attract players from the Richmond Football Club.
A staff member told the Herald Sun players from Richmond and Carlton had frequented the bar, which is popular for its rooftop terrace and outdoor bar.
FARGO AND CO
216 Swan St, Richmond
Bar Fargo and Co is hard to miss among Richmond’s bustling Swan St.
The 1907 heritage building was a Commonwealth Bank, before it transformed into a two-storey bar.
It is worth keeping an eye out for the likes of Hawthorn’s Tom Mitchell, Carlton forward Charlie Curnow and Giants star Lachie Whitfield, who are known to visit the bar.
Richmond players have also been spotted on occasion.
AFL GREAT UNDER FIRE FROM TWEET
PRINCE ALFRED HOTEL
619 Church St, Richmond
This restaurant and bar is a popular party spot in the buzzing streets of Richmond.
The bar has a beer garden with a projector screen displaying all major sporting games live.
Players from Melbourne and Richmond have been spotted enjoying drinks at the venue.
VILLAGE BELLE HOTEL
202 Barkly St, St Kilda
Village Belle, located a short stroll from St Kilda foreshore, is a favourite among players at the St Kilda Football Club.
The heritage-listed hotel has a year-round beer garden, public bar and cocktail lounge.
Saints players tend to head to the hotel for drinks and team events.
People may also spot players from Melbourne Football Club.
ROYAL SAXON
545 Church St, Richmond
The bar and bistro offers a serious dining space during the afternoon and early evening, but then comes alive at night.
The upstairs bar and balcony is full of hype on Friday and Saturday nights.
A range of players — including Richmond premiership players in celebration mode — have visited the venue.
MR. MIYAGI
99 Chapel St, Windsor
Like Japanese food? This modern Japanese restaurant is more than just casual dining.
The vibrant space serves drinks and cocktails in a chic atmosphere.
It is known to be popular among the AFL community for a chill drinks night and a bite to eat.
CORNER HOTEL
57 Swan St, Richmond
Richmond landmark pub the Corner Hotel is known for its live music gigs, with local and international acts taking to the stage.
Dozens of players have been spotted at the venue, including stars from Richmond, Hawthorn, Carlton, Melbourne and Collingwood.
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