Because you can never go too big on team spirit.
Footy season is well and truly back, which can only mean good times ahead (we hope). While couch hangs with friends to watch the games are pretty great, we have a few ideas to make them even greater. Aside from roping in your mate with the biggest TV to host the occasion (step number one), there’s also room for a little drink-theming to match your team of choice. And yes, we know that rugby league and rugby union are two other popular footy codes, but we’re here in Melbourne, so we are, of course, talking about Aussie Rules.
With 18 teams in the AFL, we’ve paired each one with a drink to suit. That might mean it’s locally made or labelled with a team’s colours, shares the same name or something else completely. You could still reach for your favourite bev and watch the games as you always have – you do you – but this is about really getting into the team spirit and leaving no doubt as to which players you’re rallying behind. All you need now are your favourite footy snacks to go with them, a team scarf or beanie, and you’re good to go.
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Every AFL team matched to a drink
1. Collingwood Football Club
For the team people either love or hate (or love to hate), d’Arenberg The Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier is pitch-perfect for the Pies. A rich, fragrant wine, this shiraz viognier’s name says it all – and it happens to pair beautifully with party pies, too.
2. Western Bulldogs
Doggies fans can’t go past a Moon Dog Old Mate Pale Ale. Not only does this clean, hoppy brew have the team in its name, but their latest Moon Dog Wild West venue (complete with mechanical bull) is in the team’s heartland of Footscray.
3. Richmond Football Club
Tigers fans can go the obvious route with a Tiger Beer for dry, easy drinking, but the OG Richmond brewery, Mountain Goat, is also worth celebrating. Keep it local with the punchy Mountain Goat Tasty Pale Ale, which really does live up to its name.
4. Sydney Swans
Swannies fans can reach for some Archie Rose Botanical Vodka and get mixing. This Sydney distillery is leading the new wave of Aussie spirits, and this lifted vodka makes a mean Bloody Mary – bang on for the Bloods – or a Cosmo to keep it colour-themed.
5. Geelong Football Club
We’re also keeping it local for Cats fans with an impressive white wine from the region. The Lethbridge Geelong Chardonnay is clean, elegant and classy. Whether you think that also describes the team will depend on who you barrack for.
6. Gold Coast Suns
The Balter Cerveza is made for cheering on the Suns. Crisp and light, this Mexican-style lager is fresh, summery and made on the GC, as well even having a sun on the bottle. MFEO.
7. Melbourne Football Club
We’re not big on clichés, but the Scorpo Chardonnay fits nicely. Even if Dees fans aren’t a chardy-sipping lot who frequent the Mornington Peninsula, they’ll still enjoy Scorpo’s minerally wine from this star Victorian region.
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8. Fremantle Football Club
The Dockers joined the league in 1994, and five years later, Little Creatures burst onto the beer scene with their pioneering Fremantle brewery. So, going with a very Freo combo here, the full-flavoured Little Creatures Pale Ale is bang on.
9. West Coast Eagles
Keep things classically WA here with the Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon. From one of Margaret River’s most consistent wineries is this iconic variety of the region. Throw some lamb chops on the barbie at half-time and you’ll have a trifecta of great pairings.
10. Brisbane Lions
We know there’s so much more to Queensland than rum, but we can’t ignore the Brisbane-made Beenleigh Handcrafted Double Cask 5 Year Old Rum. This local spirit has won some big awards – much like the reigning champs – and it’s best sipped and savoured neat or over ice.
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11. Carlton Football Club
Blues fans might like to colour-match their games to some Johnnie Walker Blue Label. Sipping it neat is a great way to go, but whipping up a Penicillin for everyone, with its gingery kick, might just hit the right note.
12. Adelaide Crows
The best drink for the Crows has to be a beer from iconic Adelaide brewery Coopers. The Coopers Pale Ale is crisp, fruity and floral, but if you prefer something deeper and darker, their Best Extra Stout is also a winner.
13. St Kilda Football Club
We’re running with the colours here and giving Saints fans something lovely to drink at the same time. The Penfolds Max’s Shiraz is all red, white and black, and it will drink well throughout the game next to so many footy snacks (sauso rolls for the win).
14. Essendon Football Club
The Bombers are also known as the Dons, so fans can’t go past the Don Julio Blanco Tequila. You’ll need a quick-mix cocktail while watching the game – something like the Batanga, which is just tequila mixed with Coke, lime and a pinch of salt. Easy!
15. Port Adelaide Football Club
Power fans will love the standout Powers Three Swallows Whiskey, and the label on this rich, smooth whiskey even shares the team’s signature teal. Keep it easy and mix a fresh and floral Irish Maid – it’s a great pick for those not usually into whiskey.
16. North Melbourne Football Club
Who can go past a good gin? The Kangaroo Island Spirits Wild Gin is an expressive Aussie take on London dry gins and brilliant for G&Ts – so easy to mix when you don’t want to miss any of the match.
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17. GWS Giants
Giant Steps makes brilliant wines, and Giant Steps Harry's Monster is no exception. This intense blend of merlot and cab sauv has a fitting name for the Giants and is a crowd-pleasing bottle to pass around as the action heats up.
18. Hawthorn Football Club
Hawks fans need an easy, likeable wine that won’t distract from the action on the telly, so the Noble Fellows Sauvignon Blanc – from Hawke’s Bay – will suit all comers. This crisp and vibrant white will go very well with a cheese plate, too.
