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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 food, entertainment and Grand Final week energy.

The event brings footy legends, media personalities, celebrities and fans together at Crown Palladium for a three-course lunch, flowing drinks, unforgettable stories and an experience that kicks goals for kids.

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 fans for one of Melbourne's most anticipated Grand Final week events.

Founded by beloved Variety Life Member Maureen Hafey OAM and AFL Hall of Famer Tom Hafey, this iconic Melbourne tradition has raised over $4 million to support children living with disability, illness or disadvantage.

Event Pricing & Packages

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

$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
  • A signed football table centrepiece

$7,500 Heart Table Package

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
  • A signed football table centrepiece
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Ways You Can Support

Become an Event Partner

The Variety Grand Final Lunch offers partners a rare combination of profile, connection and impact.

  • Align with a trusted charity
  • Build meaningful brand presence
  • Be part of an iconic Melbourne event
  • Create real impact for kids and families
  • Reach an influential audience
  • Lead with purpose
Become an Event Partner

Donate an Item for Auction

Help make the Variety Grand Final Lunch even more impactful by donating an item or experience for the silent or live auction.

Popular auction items include:

  • Travel and getaways
  • Sporting experiences
  • Money-can’t-buy experiences
  • Entertainment packages
  • Dining and lifestyle experiences
  • Premium goods
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Why This Event Matters...

The Variety Grand Final Lunch is more than a celebration of football. It helps 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.

Last year, funds from the event helped support the Variety Sunshine Coach program for students at Swan Hill Specialist School and Seymour College.
Jodi Walters, Principal at Swan Hill Specialist School, shared:

“Having this new bus, with wheelchair access means that now all of our students get to move together and have access to safe and inclusive transportation, empowering them to participate fully in school activities and beyond."

Thank you to our 2026 Variety Grand Final Lunch Partners

Platinum Heart Partners

Gold Heart Partners

Silver Heart Partners