Footy finals in Melbourne mean one thing: gathering mates, firing up the BBQ, and watching the AFL grand final live & loud. But nothing kills the mood faster than bad catering.
That’s where we come in! Our butchers in Melbourne will give you the freshest cuts, portion advice, and cooking tips so your AFL grand finals party runs as smoothly as the game itself. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid.
Mistake 1: Leaving the meat run too late
Grand final day is one of the busiest times for butchers. Leaving shopping until the morning means you’ll miss out on the best cuts. You might also face longer queues and limited options, which only adds stress to your prep.
Fix it: Shop a day or two earlier at your local Australian Butchers Store. Our team can help you plan the right quantities for your crowd.
Mistake 2: Serving cheap, low-quality meat
Thin steaks, watery sausages, or poorly cut chicken won’t impress. Even spring classics like spring lamb lose their appeal if the quality isn’t there. Low-grade meat can also shrink or dry out quickly, leaving your guests disappointed.
Fix it: Choose premium cuts — juicy beef burgers, marinated chicken wings, or tender spring lamb cutlets. Quality meat cooks better, tastes better, and feeds more people with less waste.
Mistake 3: Only offering steak and snags
Not everyone wants the same thing, and the BBQ can get boring fast. Guests love having a choice, and variety helps cater for different tastes and dietary needs.
Fix it: Mix it up with lamb skewers, burgers, chicken drumsticks, or even a slow-cooked lamb shoulder you can prep in the morning. Variety keeps everyone happy.
Need more variety ideas? Check out our guide to spring outdoor entertaining meats and produce.
Mistake 4: Cooking at the wrong times
Nobody wants to miss a goal because they’re stuck at the BBQ. Trying to cook everything right before kick-off means you’ll be under pressure and away from the action.
Fix it: Plan your cooking around quarter breaks. Do bulk grilling early, then reheat or finish items quickly when the game pauses. That way, you’re back in front of the big screens with everyone else.
Mistake 5: Misjudging how much to buy
Too little food and you’ll have hungry guests; too much and you’ll waste money. Running out halfway through the day is one of the fastest ways to spoil the party atmosphere.
Fix it: As a rule, allow 250–300g of meat per adult and 150g per child. If you’re serving mixed platters, consider adding sides like rolls, salads, and corn to balance out the flavours.
Mistake 6: Dry, bland, or underdone meat
A rushed grill leads to burnt sausages or raw centres. Guests will remember tough or tasteless food long after the final siren.
Fix it: Season generously, cook over steady heat, and rest meat before serving. For lamb, a simple lamb recipe of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and rosemary works every time.
Mistake 7: Forgetting non-drinkers and kids
A great party caters for everyone. If you only stock beer and wine, you risk leaving kids and non-drinkers with nothing to enjoy.
Fix it: Stock a drinks tub with juice and sparkling water. Serve up a tray of sausages or wings early for kids, so parents can relax.
Make Your AFL Grand Finals Party Easy with Help from Your Local Butcher
Don’t let food mistakes spoil the big day. Visit your nearest Australian Butchers Store in Berwick, Boronia, or Somerville, for fresh, quality meat and expert BBQ advice.
From premium beef cuts to tender spring lamb cutlets and slow-cooked favourites, our butchers will help you plan the perfect feast for your AFL grand finals party.