Sports
12 Best Melbourne Pubs to Experience AFL Grand Final Magic Like Never Before
If you didn’t score a seat at the MCG, these Melbourne pubs offer the next best thing – cold beer, big screens, and unforgettable atmosphere.
Grand Final Day in Melbourne is unlike anything else in the sporting calendar. For die-hard fans of AFL, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is hallowed turf, but unless you’ve managed the near-impossible task of securing a ticket, the city’s legendary pubs are your best bet for soaking up the electric atmosphere.
Whether you’re a loyal Collingwood Football Club supporter or just in it for the parmas and pints, Melbourne’s pubs transform into buzzing arenas of their own. Here are 12 of the best places where the AFL Grand Final magic really happens – with plenty of beer taps, roaring crowds, and footy snacks that somehow taste better when your team is winning.
1. College Lawn Hotel, Prahran
Tucked away in Prahran, the College Lawn Hotel boasts 18 big screens so you’ll never miss a single mark, tackle, or goal. The all-weather beer garden becomes a hive of excitement, while the front bar serves Carlton Draught and house favorite Lenny’s Lager. It’s a true neighborhood classic that knows how to put on a show when the siren sounds.
2. The Duke of Wellington, Melbourne CBD
Just a short walk – or pilgrimage – from the MCG, the Duke of Wellington has been part of Melbourne’s footy culture since 1853. With its multi-tier setup, rooftop bar, and more than 20 taps, this pub is perfect for those who want to combine live sport with unbeatable city views. If your team loses, at least the sunset over the skyline will soften the blow.

3. The Great Northern Hotel, Carlton North
A beloved spot for both footy fans and dog owners, the Great Northern Hotel offers an enormous beer garden and over 20 beer taps. Inside, a signed painting of Alex Jesaulenko’s iconic mark of the century reminds you that this pub lives and breathes AFL history. Their chicken parma? Legendary.
4. Mt View Hotel, Richmond
So close to the G you can almost hear the roar of the crowd, Mt View Hotel offers a front bar steeped in tradition and a rooftop bar with stunning views of the stadium itself. Whether you’re warming up before heading into the Shane Warne Stand or staying for the rooftop atmosphere, this pub is a fan favorite.
5. The Birmingham Hotel, Fitzroy
Known affectionately as “The Birmy,” this Smith Street institution has 14 screens and a menu stacked with steaks, burgers, and seven varieties of parma. Tuesdays and Wednesdays bring 50-cent wings, but on Grand Final Day, it’s all about the footy and flowing beer.
6. Kolkata Cricket Club, Southbank
For something different, head to the Kolkata Cricket Club inside Crown Melbourne. Combining the vibe of old-school Indian sports clubs with chef Mischa Tropp’s tandoor-fired butter chicken, this is where cricket and footy fandom collide. Wash it down with a Kingfisher Lager while watching highlights of both AFL and cricket legends.
7. Peacock Hotel, Northcote
Roosting at the top of High Street since 1854, the Peacock Hotel is now a sports mecca with giant HD screens, arcade games, and even an open fire for those chilly Melbourne nights. AFL, NRL, soccer, and tennis all get equal love here, but on Grand Final Day, it’s strictly footy first.
8. The Sporting Globe, Richmond
After a multi-million-dollar renovation, The Sporting Globe is one of the city’s biggest sports bars with 50+ screens and even private booths with touchscreens. Order the infamous “tower of power” cocktail and settle in for AFL heaven.

9. The Imperial Hotel, Melbourne CBD
Located near the Princess Theatre, the Imperial Hotel blends sports and culture. It’s also the official home of Liverpool F.C. fans in Melbourne, meaning late-night matches often run until dawn. On Grand Final Day, the giant screens and pizza specials make it an unmissable venue.
10. Terminus Hotel, Fitzroy North
Family-friendly and festive, the Terminus Hotel (or “Termi”) has one of Melbourne’s largest beer gardens. Their famous “metre of pizza” keeps kids happy while parents cheer on their teams. AFL Grand Final day here is always epic, so booking ahead is smart.
11. Rising Sun Hotel, South Melbourne
Cheer for the Sydney Swans at their historic South Melbourne home base – the Rising Sun Hotel. With walls decked in red and white memorabilia, this pub is as tribal as it gets. Don’t leave without trying the iconic South Melbourne Dim Sim.
12. Corner Hotel, Richmond
An icon for both live music and sport, the Corner Hotel is buzzing on Grand Final Day. Doors open early, with food trucks dishing out brisket and chicken wings. After the final siren, the party continues in the bandroom, proving why the Corner is one of Melbourne’s most loved venues.
Why These Pubs Matter
The AFL Grand Final is more than a game—it’s a celebration of culture, community, and tradition. Whether you’re standing shoulder to shoulder with strangers at Richmond’s Corner Hotel, raising a pint in Prahran, or digging into a butter chicken at Southbank’s Kolkata Cricket Club, the energy is infectious.
As Eddie McGuire once said about Melbourne’s love for AFL, “It’s not just sport, it’s religion.” On Grand Final Day, the pubs are the cathedrals.
Stay tuned with Daily Global Diary for more Grand Final coverage, live updates, and stories from inside the pubs where the magic truly happens.
Sports
Tom Brady Slaps Logan Paul? Viral Fanatics Fest Video Leaves Internet Divided
A viral clip claiming to show Tom Brady slapping Logan Paul at Fanatics Fest has sparked widespread debate, with fans questioning whether the moment was real, staged, or digitally manipulated.
A shocking moment involving Tom Brady and Logan Paul has taken social media by storm after the two stars appeared to get into a heated confrontation during Fanatics Fest. The exchange quickly escalated, culminating in Brady seemingly slapping Logan Paul in front of a stunned crowd.
The incident instantly became one of the most talked-about moments from the event, with videos spreading across social media within minutes. Fans were left wondering whether they had just witnessed a genuine clash or an expertly staged spectacle.
The confrontation began with an intense verbal exchange between the seven-time Super Bowl champion and the social media personality turned WWE superstar. As tensions appeared to rise, Brady suddenly reached out and slapped Paul across the face, drawing loud reactions from those in attendance.
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While the moment looked authentic on camera, many viewers quickly questioned its legitimacy. The debate intensified because only hours earlier, Brady had jokingly expressed interest in stepping into WWE as a “villain” while speaking about Logan Paul’s world of sports entertainment.
That earlier comment has fueled speculation that the entire sequence may have been designed to entertain fans rather than reflect any real-life animosity. WWE is well known for blending scripted storylines with live performances, making it difficult for audiences to separate fiction from reality.
Despite the growing buzz, neither Brady nor Logan Paul immediately confirmed whether the confrontation was genuine. The uncertainty only added to the viral appeal, with millions of users sharing clips and theories across multiple platforms.

For Brady, widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, the appearance offered a rare glimpse of his playful side after retirement. Meanwhile, Logan Paul has continued to establish himself as a major attraction in WWE, earning praise for his athletic performances while maintaining his massive online following.
The crossover between professional sports and sports entertainment has become increasingly common, and Fanatics Fest has positioned itself as a venue where athletes, celebrities, and entertainers interact in unexpected ways. This latest viral exchange perfectly captured that blend of competition and showmanship.
Whether the slap was real or simply another memorable performance, one thing is certain: Tom Brady and Logan Paul succeeded in creating one of the biggest talking points of the event. Until either star reveals what truly happened behind the scenes, fans will continue debating one question—was it an authentic confrontation or the beginning of a new entertainment storyline?
Daily Global Diary will continue to follow the story as more details emerge.
Sports
Cubs Shock MLB With Kevin Gausman Trade From Blue Jays: The Playoff Move That Could Change Everything…
Chicago lands an experienced ace-level starter ahead of the trade deadline, adding Kevin Gausman’s postseason pedigree and elite splitter to a rotation chasing October dreams.
Chicago Cubs Make Their Biggest Pitching Move Yet, Landing Kevin Gausman From Blue Jays
The Chicago Cubs have made their intentions clear—they are not waiting for the postseason race to decide their fate.
In a major trade deadline move, the Cubs have acquired veteran right-handed pitcher Kevin Gausman from the Toronto Blue Jays, adding a proven playoff performer to strengthen their starting rotation.
According to reports, Chicago sent Triple-A outfielder Brett Bateman and Class-A infielder Ty Southisene to Toronto in exchange for the 35-year-old pitcher.
The move gives the Cubs exactly what they were searching for—a reliable starter capable of handling high-pressure games when the calendar turns to October.
A Proven Arm Built for Big Moments
Gausman enters Chicago with years of experience against elite competition. While his 2026 numbers show some recent struggles, his overall body of work remains impressive.
The veteran right-hander has posted a 4.38 ERA this season with 127 strikeouts and owns a career postseason ERA of 3.83 across 14 playoff appearances.
His greatest weapon has always been his devastating splitter and powerful fastball combination. During the Statcast era, Gausman has recorded more splitter strikeouts than any other pitcher, becoming one of the most dominant users of the pitch in modern baseball.
Why the Cubs Wanted Him
Chicago’s rotation has dealt with injuries throughout the season, making additional pitching depth a priority.
Gausman joins a rotation featuring Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga, while recently acquired left-hander David Peterson has also provided strong performances.
The Cubs currently find themselves chasing the Milwaukee Brewers in the standings, trailing by 6.5 games ahead of the trade deadline.
Adding a pitcher with more than 1,000 career innings and extensive playoff experience signals that Chicago believes it can still make a serious postseason push.
A Contract That Delivered More Than Expected
Gausman originally signed a five-year, $110 million contract, and despite recent inconsistency, his production over that period has been among the best in baseball.
Since signing the deal, he has accumulated approximately 20.1 WAR, ranking him among the most valuable pitchers in the league during that stretch.
However, the timing of the trade comes during a difficult personal stretch for the pitcher. Gausman has recorded a 6.47 ERA over his last eight starts, including a rough outing at Wrigley Field where he allowed seven runs in only two innings.
But his final start with Toronto showed signs of improvement, as he gave up just one run over 5⅔ innings.

Blue Jays Receive Two Promising Prospects
While Chicago gains immediate pitching help, Toronto adds young talent for the future.
Brett Bateman, a 24-year-old outfielder selected in the eighth round of the 2023 draft, was hitting .312 in Triple-A before the trade.
Ty Southisene, a 21-year-old infielder drafted in the fourth round of the 2024 draft, impressed with his speed and athleticism, collecting 31 stolen bases across Class-A levels this season.
The Blue Jays now hope the two prospects can become part of their next generation of talent.
Could Gausman Be the Missing Piece for Chicago?
The Cubs have been searching for the kind of experienced postseason arm that can change the direction of a playoff series.
Kevin Gausman brings exactly that: a veteran presence, elite strikeout ability, and the confidence that comes from years of pitching against the best hitters in baseball.
The upcoming matchup between the Cubs and Blue Jays at Wrigley Field could potentially mark Gausman’s Chicago debut, adding an immediate storyline to an already important stretch of the season.
For Cubs fans, this trade represents more than just another roster addition—it is a message that October baseball remains the goal.
Sports
Lionel Messi Returns Home After Argentina’s Heartbreaking World Cup Final Defeat to Spain
The Argentina captain received an emotional welcome in his hometown as fans reflected on the team’s narrow loss in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi returned to his hometown on Tuesday following one of the most emotional moments of his illustrious career. Just days after Argentina suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, the football icon arrived home for a brief period of rest and recovery.
The World Cup final ended Argentina’s hopes of retaining the biggest prize in international football. While Spain celebrated a historic triumph, Messi and his teammates were left to reflect on a campaign that came agonisingly close to another world title.
A Quiet Return After a Painful Defeat
Unlike the jubilant scenes that often accompany World Cup success, Messi’s return was a low-key affair. The Argentine superstar chose to head back to his hometown to spend a few days with family after an intense and emotionally demanding tournament.
The 39-year-old carried Argentina’s expectations throughout the competition, once again proving why he remains one of football’s greatest players. Despite the disappointment of the final, his performances earned praise from fans and football experts around the world.
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World Cup Journey Ends in Heartbreak
Argentina entered the final with hopes of adding another chapter to its rich football history. However, Spain produced a disciplined display and secured a narrow victory in extra time to lift the FIFA World Cup trophy.

Messi battled throughout the tournament, leading from the front with his creativity, experience and leadership. Although the result did not go Argentina’s way, his contribution remained one of the defining stories of the competition.
Focus Now Shifts to Club Football
After spending a few days in Argentina, Messi is expected to return to Inter Miami CF to resume club duties.
The short break will allow him to recover from the physical and mental demands of the World Cup before rejoining his teammates. Supporters will now be eagerly waiting to see the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner back in action as Inter Miami continues its campaign.
Legacy Remains Untouched
Although the World Cup final ended in disappointment, Messi’s legacy remains firmly intact. His leadership, consistency and influence on world football continue to inspire millions across generations.
For Argentina, the defeat will be painful to accept, but for Messi, another chapter now begins as he turns his attention back to club football while reflecting on yet another memorable World Cup journey.
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