Even if you're not a footy fan, you’ll be well aware that this Saturday the Eagles are taking on the Demons at the Optus Stadium. It’s going to be an epic clash and even those with a casual interest in AFL are anticipating it with a rabid fervour.
Maybe you missed out on tickets because you were busy sleeping off a big night. Maybe it was because you promised you’d go to your mate’s viewing party but now he’s had to cancel at the last minute. Maybe you only just started watching AFL last week and have been so busy catching up on the past 160 years of the game you completely forgot you were in the middle of an active season. Whatever your reason, don't miss out on the visceral action of the preliminary final, hit up one of the live screenings happening around Perth this Saturday.
NB: Kick off is slated for 1:20 so we recommend getting there early.
The Camfield
Burswood
Australia’s largest pub is where the biggest party’s at. The Camfield is literally right across the road from Optus Stadium where it’s all going down (so expect the most mind-bending contact high of your life) and though it’s not the same as being in the actual stadium, it more than makes up for it with easy bar access. Get in early, grab a seat, and start working your way through their 175 tap beers.
Patriots Sports Bar
Northbridge
If there was ever a place you could be guaranteed to watch live sport, it’s at the Brass Monkey Hotel’s Patriots Sports Bar. This Saturday their kaleidoscope of screens will be set hard on Eagles versus Demons game, so you can soak in the ambience with a pint and an all-American feed. Or, if you’ve got a pack in tow, call ahead and book a VIP booth which comes with seating for six to eight people, two food platters, two pints each, and table service.
Crown Sports Bar
Burswood
They’ve been there for you all season, following the Eagles’ ascent into the preliminaries like the deadset local legends they are, and this weekend is no different. With some of the country’s biggest screens, $8 pints of Carlton Draught and patriotism out the wazoo, there’s nowhere finer to watch the Eagles mop the floor with the Demons than at Crown Sports Bar.
Paddy Maguires
Subiaco
Paddy Maguires is always across the live sport with plenty of big screens and TVs perched around the bar for easy viewing. An expansive library of beers and whiskies, as well as a menu of pub classics from Guinness pie and chicken parma, to bangers and mash, make this the perfect spot for a feed and some footy.
The Inglewood Hotel
Inglewood
Inglewood is committed to live and loud coverage of all the most important sporting events, so it just follows that they’ll be firing up the LCD this Saturday. They’ll also be hosting the AFL Grand Final on Saturday 29 so keep them in mind for next weekend and maybe book a table because it’s tipped to go off.
Paddington Ale House
Mount Hawthorn
Marching under the credo of good food, cold beer, and live sport, the Paddo knows how to host a final. Their sportscasting tech is barring no holds with no fewer than 15 plasma screen TVs (plus two mega-sized screens) and crystal clear surround sound that will make you feel like you’re on the field. Bonus: on Saturdays the Paddo offers some slammin’ food and beverage deals so you can get a pizza and a pint for under $20, or a full kilo of ribs for $35.
The Victoria Park Hotel
Victoria Park
With four big screens out back, 18 beers on tap, and a love for sport that lives deep in their marrow, Victoria Park is overqualified to host the AFL preliminaries. For the Eagles game, they’ll be pouring some pretty tempting drink specials like $8 pints of Carlton Draught, Sly Fox, Fat Yak and Indian Ale, as well as some $10 Aperol spritzes. And as a little post-game sweetener, Victoria Park’s will have some live music blasting after the game so stick around.
Varsity Bar
Nedlands
Don't let the American college theme fool you into thinking that Varsity won’t be covering the AFL. They indiscriminately love sports of all kinds and they’ll be screening all the action live this Saturday arvo. Get around some loaded fries and their burger of the month while you’re there.
The Royal
East Perth
Touted as Perth’s home of AFL, The Royal has been your season pass to all the action this year and you can bet that Saturday's game has them brimming with excitement. Their food and drink packages cover everything from private booths to private screens, and even cover pre- and post-game celebrations. And it's right across the river from the Optus Stadium so you can bet the place is going to be buzzing.
Need more ideas? Check out Perth's best sports bars.
Image credit: Nancy Hanna
