New premier, not-so-new PM, old rocker: Inside the AFL grand final lunch

Save articles for later

Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time.

The nation’s movers and shakers gather for the AFL commission lunch immediately before the grand final each year in the MCG’s Olympic Room.

In attendance this year, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the newly elected Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan, for whom it’s been a big week.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the AFL grand final breakfast.Credit: Simon Schluter

AFL chair Richard Goyder presided but stuck to talking about football rather than embattled Qantas, which he also chairs.

Goyder said there had been several farewells to AFL chief executive Gill McLachlan – with more to come.

Seven West owner Kerry Stokes and his son Ryan were at the top table across from commentator Bruce McAvaney.

Business attendees included Seek co-founder and AFL commissioner Paul Bassat, Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley and Virgin chief executive Jayne Hrdlicka.

Attendees drank Mumm champagne and poached banana prawns cooked by chef Curtis Stone alongside more traditional beers and party pies.

Pre-match entertainment came from Jimmy Barnes who gave the prime minister a hug after singing his classic Flame Trees.

All before the first bounce.

Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.

Most Viewed in National

From our partners

Source: Read Full Article