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2026 Variety Grand Final Lunch

Date: Wednesday, 23 September

Time: 11.30am - 3.30pm 

Location: Palladium at Crown 

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The Footy Lunch with Heart

There are football lunches, and then there is the Variety Grand Final Lunch.

In the biggest week on Melbourne's football calendar, this is your seat at the table for a premium afternoon of football, good, entertainment and Grand Final week energy.

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 $4 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.

Meet our hosts

Hosted by Shane Jacobson, with live entertainment from Mike Brady and a football program led by Craig Willis and Billy Brownless, the Variety Grand Final Lunch brings together football identities, business leaders, and passionate fane for one of Melbourne's most anticipated Grand Final week events.

Event Pricing

  • Single tickets are $295.
  • A Standard table of 10 for $2,900.
  • A Branded table of 10 for $3,100 with your company logo displayed on the table signage.

* Purchase price is exclusive of Humanitix booking fees.

If you are looking for a great hosting experience for clients, please see opportunities below:

  • $5,000 Luxe Table Package - a hosting opportunity which includes 10 tickets, company logo displayed on the table signage, $1,000 donation receipt, 10 Variety Car Raffle tickets and a signed football table centrepiece.
  • $7,500 Heart Table Package hosted by a former AFL/VFL Footballer - the ultimate hosting opportunity for $7,500 which includes 10 tickets, company logo displayed on the table signage, upfront table location, a former AFL/VFL footballer seated at your table, a $3,000 donation receipt, 10 Variety Car Raffle tickets, 10 tokens to the Cellar of Surprise presented by Five Vineyard and a signed football table centrepiece.

If these packages are of interest, please contact the Variety events team at events@varietyvic.org.au or 03 8698 3926 for more information.

Why this event matters...

The Variety Grand Final Lunch is more than a celebration of football. It is an opportunity to help more Victorian children access the practical support they need to take part in everyday life.

Funds raised through this year’s event will support Variety’s work across Victoria, including the Variety Sunshine Coach program and individual grants for children who need equipment, mobility support, communication devices, therapy resources and other practical assistance.

Every ticket, table, donation, auction or raffle ticket purchase helps remove barriers for children and families, creating more opportunities for independence, confidence and connection.

Below, you can see examples of the impact Variety has helped make possible in the past, including practical support for a child through a life-changing assistance dog, and a Variety Sunshine Coach helping students access school programs, community activities and new experiences.

When you join us at the Grand Final Lunch, you are helping turn generosity in the room into practical support for children across Victoria.

Every ticket, table, donation, auction or raffle ticket purchase and partnership helps remove barriers for children and families across Victoria.

Together, we can help children build independence, confidence and connection, at home, at school and in their communities.

Thank you to our 2026 Variety Grand Final Lunch Partners

Platinum Heart Partners

Gold Heart Partners

Silver Heart Partners