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.
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 Rose was a throwback of a pub up until about 15 years ago when it got a full renovation, loosing all of it’s quirky charm.