Melbourne's TOP 10 pubs to watch the footy

Winter in Melbourne, when done right, is a magical thing. Pilgrimages to your club's ground are a staple of the season, as is a meal and a big screen at one of Melbourne's many corner pubs. Scarf wrapped tight, schooner in hand, fireplace a-roaring and an atmosphere with something for everyone. If you can't make the game, here's your exhaustive list of the 10 best places in footy's heartland to watch your team. Goldy's Tavern Formerly the Leinster Arms - "Chopper" Read's favourite haunt - Goldy's is a ripping spot, situated just back from Hoddle Street in one direction, and Smith Street in the other. 70s-inspired decor, friendly service, an overwhelmingly dog-friendly vibe, cold Carlton Draught, classic pub fare and a pool table are just some of the features you can expect from this cozy watering hole. The Mona Castle Backed by Bulldogs cult hero Tom Liberatore, the Mona Castle fittingly brings some western suburbs charm to this list. In fact, "Libba" memorably shouted 250 free froffies for Castle frequenters in celebration of his 250th appearance for his childhood club. Seddon's finest establishment recently added a courtyard to its offering, and is richer for it. A ripping spot to watch the Sons of the West, or anyone else for that matter, strut their stuff on game day. The Rose Another throwback of a pub is the Rose, in Fitzroy. Adorned with memorabilia, and still boasting the old school island bar, the Rose is a popular spot to take in a Saturday slate on a winter's weekend. According to its reviews, the pub's atmosphere belies the demographic now synonymous with Fitzroy, and is a pub with pretence. Gets a gorgeous lick of afternoon sun, too. The Park Hotel The slick and modern Park Hotel in Abbotsford boasts a front bar great for catchups over live sport. Perched on a stool with a medium-rare steak in front of me, I watched Travis Head tee off on hapless Poms in the summer, in the perfect setting for such an occasion. There's a lovely beer garden out the back, and something for everybody on the taps. The Sporting Club Hotel One of the more 'elevated' venues on this list, Brunswick's Sporting Club Hotel has an extensive food and wine menu, a refined decor and still the feel of a classic pub. An expansive outdoor seating area and plenty of tellies, this is a spot for the classier footy fan. The Orrong Hotel Adding a bit of Armadale allure to this list is the Orrong hotel. An art-deco inspired facade gives way to your quintessential 'country pub in the city' atmosphere, complete with a TAB section, a meat tray raffle on a Thursday and a roast on Sundays. There are rooms named after stars of yesterday - Barassi, Krakouer, and Flower. The front bar fills out with vocal punters for most games of a weekend, and as the weather cools, the fireplace gets quite the workout. Add in the array of AFL heavy hitters that quench their thirst at this establishment, and you've got no reason to steer clear of this South-side staple. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Orrong Hotel (@orrong_hotel) The Retreat Mere metres from the Park is its workman-like cousin, The Retreat. I love it. There's an argument this pub has taken its memorabilia collecting almost too far as the old building bursts at the seams with relics of Australiana, old arcade games and a shrine to a bygone football era. Situated in the long shadow cast by Victoria Park, you'd be a brave punter to wear anything other than black and white on nights where the Magpies take the field, and the parochial nature of those leaving imprints in the bar stools is part of the charm. The London Tavern A stone's throw from the hallowed turf of the MCG, this unassuming corner pub in Richmond's labyrinthine back streets has become the spot for those looking to take in the sights and smells of a big game if they are sans ticket. The London Tav' and its big beer garden are always packed, with footy live and loud, and plenty of punters happy to chat all things footy or otherwise. Cracking spot, but it's a victim of its own busyness for the purposes of this ranking. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The London Tavern Hotel (@londontavernhotel) The Great Northern I love this joint. They pour a mean Guinness, have adequate indoor and outdoor seating, and the vibes are always high. The variety of viewing experiences - whether it be by a heater and on a bench seat in the beer garden, or in the cavernous dining room, there's screens aplenty with clear sound and acoustics that amplify the experience. I recommend making a booking for the bigger games, but otherwise, get yourself a parmi (I'm a Brisbanite, sue me), a pint and nestle in while the world passes you by.

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	FRE	11	10	1	40	135.5
2	SYD	11	9	2	36	142.5
3	HAW	12	8	3	34	114.8
4	GEEL	12	8	4	32	121.9
5	GC	11	7	4	28	116.9
6	MELB	11	7	4	28	106.7
7	ADEL	11	6	5	24	107.9
8	BL	11	6	5	24	106.6
9	WB	11	6	5	24	92.8
10	COLL	11	5	5	22	100.3

Melbourne’s TOP 10 pubs to watch the footy

The best watering holes to part with one’s hard earned during the footy season.

The Mona Castle

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