The Footy Lunch With Heart

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, a selection of Tim Adams Wines, beers and soft drink, 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 Variety 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.

Event Pricing*:

Single tickets are $280.
A Standard table of 10 for $2,750.
A Branded table of 10 for $2,900 with your company logo displayed on the table stand.

* Purchase price is exclusive of Humanitix booking fees.

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

A Luxe Table Package - a hosting opportunity for $5,000 which includes 10 tickets, company logo displayed on the table stand, $1,000 donation receipt, 10 Variety Car Raffle tickets and a signed football table centerpiece.
A Variety Heart Package - the ultimate hosting opportunity for $10,000 which includes 10 tickets, company logo displayed on the table stand, 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 Tim Adams Mystery Wine Wall and a signed football table centerpiece.

If these packages are of interest, please contact the Variety events team at events@varietyvic.org.au or 03 8698 3928 for more information.

Variety - the Children’s Charity help kids living with disability, illness or experiencing disadvantage. Our work allows kids to gain mobility, to get out in the community, to communicate, achieve independence and increase self-esteem. Thanks to the financial support that Variety receives from supporters and partners we can make sure that kids who may miss out can join in.

We support through the provision of grants for a range of equipment.
We run programs to educate and empower kids that are falling through the cracks.
We give scholarships to encourage the talents of kids living with disability or experiencing disadvantage.
And most importantly, we hold kids’ events to bring joy, light and laughter to kids and their families.

Thank you for your continued support!

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