Facebook ‘friend’ Gil distances himself from bar owner

The AFL will investigate how two diehard fans — one of whom is a Facebook “friend” of Gillon McLachlan — snuck into the Demons rooms for post-match celebrations.

The AFL will investigate how two diehard fans snuck into the Demons changerooms and onto the ground for post-match celebrations as part of an annual security review into the grand final.

Bar owner Hayden Burbank, 45, and financial planner Mark Babbage, 39, have been denied bail for their bucket list jaunt to Perth, which police allege breached strict border restrictions.

Mystery surrounds how the two Melbourne fans obtained wristbands granting them access the rooms and onto the ground of Optus Stadium despite a tightly managed guest list, something the AFL will probe in coming weeks.

Hayden Burbank (left) and Mark Babbage with the Premiership Cup. Picture: Channel 7

It can be revealed the pair also got into a swanky grand final eve luncheon held at Perth Crown, attended by top industry figures including AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan

A photo shows Mr Burbank — who owns Prahran cocktail bar Morris Jones — and Mr Babbage grinning at the event, which sources said they had boasted about to friends.

Mr McLachlan has distanced himself from the pair, despite being outed as having Mr Burbank as a Facebook “friend” on his personal account.

Some disgruntled Melbourne supporters who were forced to watch game at home on television are pushing for the club to ban the pair from future games.

The AFL and Melbourne Football Club say they will await court proceedings before reaching a decision.

Mr Burbank on the ground at Optus Stadium after Melbourne’s victory.

Mr Burbank with commentator James Brayshaw and Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin. Picture: Channel 7

“The AFL will work with the Melbourne Football Club on any further action required in regards to membership,” an AFL spokesman said.

“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.

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

In coming weeks the AFL will conduct an annual review in to the grand final including the time of the match, food, entertainment and security protocols.

An expletive-ridden video captured Mr Burbank’s emotion in the final moments of the game.

“I’ve been dreaming of making this video,” he said, filming himself with tears in his eyes.

“Yes boys, we’ve f**king done it.”