Enmore’s “smallest pub” is run by Pasan Wijesena, who’s responsible for Sydney favourites Jacoby’s Tiki Bar and Earl’s Juke Joint, so you know it’s going to be good. It’s retro, dog-friendly and filled with sports memorabilia – and playing all big sports games live and loud, Tuesday to Sunday. It has a range of local brews on pour – plus Guinness – including the ‘Old Magpie’ dark ale that has been made in collaboration with The Grifter Brewing Co. 156 Enmore Rd, Enmore; @magpieenmore

Every time The Swannies play, The Carrington is overflowing with punters in red-and-white scarfs. With screens in both the front bar and back dining room, it’s located a short walk from both the SCG and Allianz Stadium – so perfect for a pre- or post-game pint, too. Plus, it’s dog-friendly (both indoors and out) and frequently offers special deals on drinks and food when the Sydney Swans, Roosters or Wallabies are playing. 565 Bourke St, Surry Hills; thecarringtonsydney.com

In 2019, Neutral Bay institution The Oaks underwent a huge renovation that saw the opening of three new offerings: a garden conservatory restaurant Alala’s, a craft bottle shop and a sport’s bar. Head to the latter, named Taffy’s, for the grand final games. You can choose from one of the 20 beers on tap and everything from burgers to whole-grilled fish and pizza to tempura zucchini flowers from the extensive menu. If your team starts losing, there are a heap of arcade games to distract you, too. 118 Military Rd, Neutral Bay. oakshotel.com.au

Pool tables, a great bistro and more AFL memorabilia than you can poke a stick at, The Courty is the place to be during finals fever and the footy grand finals. Located just off Newtown’s King Street, The Courty has been around since 1859, which shows the city’s enduring love for the old gal. It’s dog friendly, too, and accepts bookings for bigger groups. 202 Australia Street, Newtown; thecourty.com.au

Surry Hills’ The Dolphin is known for many things: its top-tier pizza, its natural wine offering, its graffiti-covered rooftop – and its popularity during sports games. While the front bar is the usual place to go to watch footy, for the AFL grand final, it’ll have multiple big screens across the whole venue, plus $8 beers, $10 wines and $15 spritzes. 412 Crown St, Surry Hills. dolphinhotel.com.au

When a pub proclaims to “bleed red, white and blue”, you know it’ll be playing every Roosters game loud, live and on a big screen. The beachside pub has places to watch your code of choice across its lounge bar, sports bar and sprawling beer garden. Expect beer specials for all big sports games, for example $7 brews for the AFL GF (if you’re wearing your Swans jersey) and $6 VBs until the first point scored when the Roosters take on Storm. 381 Clovelly Rd, Clovelly; clovellyhotel.com.au

The revamped Bat & Ball reopened in August and has already been the site of some rowdy cheer-cheers at the pointy end of the Swans’ finals campaign – being within earshot of the Moore Park stadium precinct means there’s footy soaked into the very walls. An old-school pub with a new-school pub kitchen and alums from The Sunshine Inn and more behind the scenes, it also might be the only place you can slurp $1 oysters while you await first bounce. 495 Cleveland St, Redfern. www.batandballhotel.com

No disrespect to the Courty or the Henson, but The Waz might have them both beaten for both beer garden vibes and Bloods spirit. Perched on the corner of Enmore Road and Stanmore Road, this unassuming indie pub is packed to the back teeth on Swans game day and pours a mean craftie too. 2 Stanmore Rd, Enmore. warrenviewhotel.com.au

With the game on the big screen at local footy hub Henson Park down the road, the family-friendly pub that shares its name will be heaving on Grand Final day even if the weather holds. Grab a warm satay roti (mandatory) and settle in any footy-indifferent kids in the ingenious play area adjacent to the beer garden. 91 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville; thehenson.com.au

The rambling Eastern Suburbs stalwart is the place to be if you care to watch the game in an iconic beer garden and then stick around for a dance after dark. Just remember to stay hydrated! 429 New South Head Road, Double Bay; thegoldensheaf.com.au