Demons fans accused of sneaking into WA attended AFL’s VIP afterparty

Two Demons fans accused of lying to sneak into WA for the AFL grand final were seen at a glamorous afterparty with Gil McLachlan and other VIP guests.

Two die-hard Demons fans, who allegedly lied to authorities to get into WA, attended an official AFL afterparty.

Prahran bar owner Hayden Burbank, 45, and his financial planner friend Mark Babbage, 39, are on remand for their headline-grabbing trip to Perth, which police allege breached strict border restrictions.

It can be revealed the pair attended a glamorous afterparty hosted by the AFL at Perth’s Crown casino in the exclusive Crystal Club lounge.

The function began at 9.30pm after the game and was attended by league bosses including chief executive Gillon McLachlan, corporate sponsors, entertainment acts, broadcasters and other VIP guests.

The duo with the premiership cup.

The duo celebrated in the change rooms after the game.

It had a cap of 300 attendees, all of whom were given wristbands to gain access to the glitzy night, which kicked on until 1am.

But the AFL said they did not invite the pair to the function and did not know how they obtained highly sought-after wristbands to the event.

“The AFL’s understanding and expectation was that anyone from interstate who attended the grand final or surrounding events would have abided by the necessary directions put in place by the WA government and WA Police in order to enter WA,” an AFL spokesman said.

“If anyone has not followed these directions, we fully support them being held to account for their actions.”

It comes after revelations the duo also attended a swanky grand final eve luncheon at the casino.

A photo shows Mr Burbank and Mr Babbage grinning at the event, which sources said they had bragged about attending.