2025 Variety Grand Final Lunch
The Footy Lunch with Heart
Date: 24 September 2025
Time: 11:30am - 3:30pm
Venue: Palladium at Crown Melbourne
Dress: Smart business attire
This year marks a truly special milestone — 40 incredible years of the Variety Grand Final Lunch!
Founded by beloved Variety Life Member Maureen Hafey OAM and her legendary husband, AFL Hall of Famer Tom Hafey, this iconic Melbourne tradition has raised over $3 million to support children who are living with disability, illness, or disadvantage. Thanks to the unwavering generosity of Melbourne’s footy community, thousands of kids and their families have received the vital support they need — and we’re just getting started.
Every year, on the Wednesday before the Toyota AFL Grand Final, the Crown Palladium comes alive with footy fever. Media personalities, sports stars, celebrities, and die-hard fans gather for what has become the ultimate Grand Final week celebration. With a delicious three-course meal, flowing drinks, incredible entertainment, and unforgettable stories from footy legends past and present — this isn’t just a lunch, it’s an experience that kicks goals for kids in need.
Why this event matters...
The Variety Grand Final Lunch is more than a celebration of football — it's a powerful force for good. Every dollar raised helps fund Variety Sunshine Coaches, specially fitted vehicles that transport children who would otherwise be left behind — kids living with physical disabilities, those in regional or remote areas, or children facing tough social challenges.
These buses are life-changers, opening the doors to excursions, programs, and community experiences that create joy, confidence, and connection.
Thanks to the generosity of last year's attendees and partners, we proudly granted three brand-new Variety Sunshine Coaches to local specialist schools. This year, we're aiming high once again — with your help, we’ll fund another two Sunshine Coaches, giving even more children the chance to experience the world beyond the classroom.
So join us for an unforgettable afternoon where passion for footy meets the power of giving.
Together, let’s celebrate 40 years of heart, hope and community — and help change even more kids’ lives.
Thank you to our 2025 Variety Grand Final Lunch Partners
Platinum Heart Partners
Gold Heart Partners
Silver Heart Partners
