We’ve picked out six crackers to see you through the season.

The footy is back, baby. It’s been five very long months since Brisbane cemented itself as the superior state when it comes to AFL and NRL. Yep, the Lions (AFL) and the Broncos (NRL) both took the top gongs home to the sunny coast last year, and the Lions are already running their next three-peat campaign.

All this is to say that the sweet, sweet sound of the siren is back, and while the centre bounce may be lost, game day has returned. And you know what that means – regardless of the code you support, there’s soon to be cheering, commiserating, chippies and coldies. So, we’re here to help you stock up with some of the best beers to see you through.

The Pirate Life x Mountain Culture Mountain Life IIPA Can

1. Pirate Life x Mountain Culture Mountain Life IIPA Can

If you’re a die-hard Doggies supporter (guilty) then you probably have a few cans of the limited-edition Pirate Life Red, White and Brew, which was a nod to 100 years since Footscray’s VFL game. But a new season (and plenty of promise) deserves a new go-to tinnie: enter the Pirate Life x Mountain Culture Mountain Life IIPA. The Mountain Life is the second collaboration between the two breweries. It’s bold, punchy and hoppy (it also comes in at 2.5 standard drinks per can). You can expect a little citrus and passionfruit, along with that malty sweetness we love. Friday night game and a large pizza on the couch? Solid.

$95.99 case (16)

2. Carlton Draught

It’s pretty hard to go past a good ol’ Carlton Draught during the season. After all, it’s the official beer of the AFL. That means you can order it at a game or crack open a can in the comfort of your own home. It’s smooth, mildly malty and a little bitter. Ordering one at the bar at the ’G? You’ll want to pair your CD with a piping-hot pie and extra sauce. Just be sure to get in before the half-time rush.

$63.99 case (24)

The Brookvale Union Spiced Orange Ginger Beer

3. Brookvale Union Spiced Orange Ginger Beer

Ginger beer but make it spiced orange? Our mates at Brookvale Union have done it again, and while this is a limited-release ginger beer, we reckon it’s a good season staple. More spice? More zest? More ginger? Big yes. Have mates who aren’t fans of beer? A ginger beer is always a great place to start. A fan of the orange team? This is your unofficial drink of the game. Throw a few prawns on the barbecue and watch your team kick a few snags (hopefully).

$95.99 case (24)

4. Coopers XPA

The XPA or extra pale ale can be described as the middle sibling – it sits between the pale ale and the IPA. The Coopers XPA is everything you adore about the pale ale, with a little extra hops and a little extra bite. Think bright citrus, a little grapefruit, and those famous malty notes. On tap or straight out of the fridge, so long as the Coopers XPA is ice-cold, we’re happy. Oh, and a burger to go with it doesn’t hurt, either.

$77.99 case (24)

5. Stone & Wood Hinterland Big Pale Ale

A big season needs a Big Pale Ale, and we can’t go past Stone and Wood’s Hinterland. The Hinterland is Stone and Wood’s all-Aussie hop series, and the Big Pale Ale is the second release. It’s bursting with notes of juicy pineapple and mandarin, thanks to Aussie Eclipse and Vic Secret hops. Hosting your mates for the game? Two words: cheese board (and make sure there’s a decent chunk of blue on there). If you’re looking to up the ante, serve the Big Pale Ale alongside a piece of crispy-skinned salmon – the beer will cut right through the oiliness of the fish.

$69.99 case (16)

6. Bridge Road Brewers Free Time Alcohol Free Pale Ale

We know footy season can feel long (especially if you’re an Essendon supporter), so you know we need a zero%* option in the fridge for those who want to skip the booze. We love Bridge Road Brewers’ Free Time Alcohol Free Pale Ale – you'll get notes passionfruit, lime and little pine from the Citra, Simcoe, Enigma hops. It’s low in bitterness and high in vibrance and juicy goodness. We can already hear a schnitty with a big squeeze of lemon calling our name.

$67.99 case (24)