THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT!

If you would like to be placed on a waitlist should any additional tables become available, please contact the Variety Events team via 8698 3922 or email events@varietyvic.org.au

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, food, entertainment and Grand Final week energy.

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.

Expect premium dining, Five Vineyard wines, beer and soft drinks, special appearances from some of football’s most recognisable names, and the stories, insight and rivalry that make this week unlike any other. Whether you are hosting clients, rewarding your team or gathering a table of football fans, this is the lunch people look forward to - and talk about after the siren.

Founded by Variety Life Member Maureen Hafey OAM and AFL Hall of Famer Tom Hafey, the event has raised more than $4 million to support children living with disability, illness and disadvantage across Victoria.

But beyond the excitement and celebration is a very real and lasting impact. So, join us for an unforgettable afternoon where passion for footy meets the power of giving.

The event sells out every year so book now to secure your place!

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.

Our Talent

Why this event matters

Living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1, Jacob has limited opportunities for physical activity and independence. Thanks to the support of Variety, he received a lightweight Little Wave Clik wheelchair — carefully selected to help him safely build strength, confidence and mobility.

This life-changing equipment is already helping Jacob move more freely, participate alongside his peers, and feel included at an important stage of his development.

With your support, we can continue to provide equipment like this, helping children like Jacob gain independence, build confidence, and thrive.

Stories like Jacob’s highlight the real impact of the Grand Final Lunch—turning moments of generosity into practical support and meaningful change for children and families across Victoria.

By helping remove barriers to participation, these grants create greater independence, confidence, and inclusion for children at home, at school, and in their communities.

For families, this support can be life-changing. It can mean a child is better able to communicate, engage in learning, build social connections, and experience the everyday opportunities every child deserves.

Together, let's celebrate heart, hope and community and help change even more kids' lives.

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!

Contact the host of 2026 Variety Grand Final Lunch