If there’s one thing Aussies take as seriously as their footy, it’s their booze. Combine the two, and you get a cultural masterpiece: the AFL drinking game. Whether it’s the Grand Final, a Friday night showdown, or that chaotic Draft Night full of promise and clichés, there’s always a reason to raise your glass for AFL matches. This guide isn’t just a bunch of rules—it’s a blueprint for maximum laughs, memories you won’t remember, and maybe a hangover with a footy-shaped bruise.
So, footy tragics, grab your mates, crack a cold one, and let’s turn every possession, goal, and commentator cliché into a reason to drink.
Table of Contents
What Is an AFL Drinking Game?
An AFL drinking game is exactly what it sounds like: structured chaos disguised as a sporting ritual. Much like the Super Bowl NFL drinking games in the U.S., fans use live game moments as triggers to take sips, shots, or scull entire pints. It’s part competition, part comedy, and all Aussie.
You’ll find them at house parties, in crowded pubs, or streaming from a living room decked in team scarves. The tradition spikes during the Grand Final, but truth be told, any footy broadcast is fair game.
If you’re into Australian rules football drinking games, this is your jam.
AFL Grand Final Drinking Game Rules
Quarter-by-Quarter Rules
This isn’t just about what happens on the screen—it’s about survival. Break the game into quarters for maximum carnage and variety.
- 1st Quarter: Drink only with your non-dominant hand. Spillages don’t count—just shame.
- 2nd Quarter: You must address every mate using their full name. No “Daz” or “Bazza.” It’s “Darren” or nothing.
- 3rd Quarter: Every umpire whistle equals a sip. Bonus: boo the ump if you’re really in the mood.
- 4th Quarter: If the game’s tied with five minutes to go, finish your drink. Also, call your mum. Just because.
Commentary & TV Triggers
Turn the sound up—it’s where the gold is.
- “He’s a big game player” – Sip.
- Any shot of a crying supporter – Double sip.
- Camera zooms on the coach losing it – 2 sips.
- The word “momentum” – Take a shot.
- Anyone says “fairy tale finish” – Finish your drink and weep.
These funny AFL drinking rules were basically written by fate and fueled by Carlton Draught.
Friday Night Footy Drinking Game
For those less inclined to obliterate themselves by halftime, Friday night calls for a more chill version. It’s weeknight-friendly, but still enough to keep things spicy.
- Drink every time your team turns the ball over.
- Two sips if the commentator mentions a player’s junior club.
- If your team’s losing by 30+ at any point—finish your drink and prepare your excuses for the group chat.
- Bonus: If BT is commentating, sip every time he invents a new nickname.
Perfect for casual viewing with mates or pre-gaming before a night out. It’s the AFL drinking game with friends you didn’t know you needed.
AFL Draft Night Drinking Game (Cliché Edition)
Draft night is Christmas for recruiters and chaos for everyone else. Here’s how to spice up the most jargon-heavy event of the AFL calendar.
Drink when you hear:
- “He’s a project player.”
- “Has elite foot skills.”
- “Will add depth to the midfield.”
- “He slipped through the cracks.”
- “We’re stoked to get him at this pick.”
Double up if someone calls their mum mid-interview. And if a player is compared to Dusty, you’re legally required to finish your drink and yell “GO TIGES.”
This AFL draft night drinking game is all about clichés and wishful thinking.
Custom AFL Drinking Game Template (DIY Rules)
Want to get fancy? Build your own AFL drinking game from scratch using this easy formula.
Step 1: Pick your triggers
Choose any three: goals, behinds, frees, turnovers, crowd shots, commentators yelling “boy oh boy wowee.”
Step 2: Assign drinks
- Sip = minor event
- Shot = big moment (goals, 50m penalties)
- Finish = ridiculous stuff (streaker, mascot fights, unexpected mullet on screen)
Step 3: Print or screenshot your rules and share with mates.
Make it part of your party kit. Bonus points if you laminate it like a true degenerate.
This is the perfect AFL drinking game template for creative party-goers and sadistic hosts.
Wild & Creative AFL Drinking Game Variations
1. The “Mullet Madness” Game
Perfect for: Matches involving Collingwood, Bulldogs, or any team with high mullet density.
How it works:
- Every time you spot a mullet on screen, yell “Business in the front!” and take a sip.
- If it’s a dyed mullet (especially peroxide blonde): take 2 sips.
- If the commentator acknowledges the mullet—do a shoey. You deserve it.
Tip: This one gets dangerous during slow-motion replays.
2. The Umpire Rage Challenge
Perfect for: Fans who have trust issues with umpires.
How it works:
- Any time someone yells “WHAT WAS THAT?!” or “BALLLLL!” — everyone else drinks.
- If you pause the game to complain about a decision in slow motion, YOU drink.
- Yellow card = finish your drink. Red card (rare, but spicy) = everyone drinks.
Bonus twist: Assign someone to play “Ump Cam” and mimic ump gestures. Best impersonation earns drink immunity for the next quarter.
3. “Bruce-isms” or Commentary Bingo
Perfect for: Any match called by Bruce McAvaney, BT, or Basil Zempilas.
How it works:
Create a bingo card of phrases like:
- “Centimetre perfect”
- “Boy oh boy wowee”
- “X-Factor”
- “That’s what makes him special”
- “Big time player in a big time game”
Every time a phrase is dropped, mark it off. First to a line gets to assign a shot. Full card? Finish your drink while quoting Bruce dramatically.
4. “Tanked by Team” Roulette
Perfect for: Group watching with mixed team supporters.
How it works:
- Assign each person a team (either their own or randomly).
- Every time your team scores, you hand out a sip to anyone.
- Every time they concede, you drink.
If your team gets blown out, you’re automatically designated “Hydration Hero” and must switch to water for survival. Sorry, mate, rules are rules.
5. “Kicks & Misses” – The Set Shot Special
Perfect for: High-pressure finals with lots of missed goals.
How it works:
- Goal from a set shot: everyone cheers and drinks.
- Behind from a set shot: drink in silence while staring at the floor.
- Out on the full: everyone yells “MATE!” and finishes their drink out of respect for shame.
Bonus chaos: nominate a player for each person. Every time your player gets a set shot, the pressure’s on you.
6. “Mic’d Up Madness” – The Hot Mic Game
Perfect for: Games with field audio and rowdy fans nearby.
How it works:
- Any time you hear a player yell “MINE!” or “YEAH BOYS!” — sip.
- Crowd chant breaks out? Shot.
- Fan on mic yells something unfiltered (think: “You donkey!” or worse)? Finish your drink and salute the footy gods for content.
7. The Goal Celebration Showdown
Perfect for: When you just want an excuse to copy footy players.
How it works:
- Every goal celebration shown on camera must be mimicked immediately by everyone.
- Best impersonation gets to nominate someone for a shot.
- Worst impersonation? Must chug for lack of vibe.
Bonus: Create a “Signature Move” before the match. If your move gets shown by a real player? Everyone else drinks. You’re a prophet.
8. “Mark My Words” Challenge
Perfect for: Sharp-eared fans and snarky mates.
How it works:
- Before the game, everyone picks a common phrase (e.g., “He’s had a big pre-season,” “Contested possession,” “Leadership qualities”).
- Every time your phrase is said, YOU don’t drink—everyone else does.
- Choose wisely. Choose cruelly.
9. The “Reverse Norm Smith” Medal
Perfect for: Games where one player is just absolutely cooked.
How it works:
- Before the match, each person drafts a player most likely to do poorly.
- Every turnover, missed tackle, or air swing? Opponent gives you a drink.
- If your “worst pick” ends up best on ground, you owe everyone a drink AND a written apology.
10. The Quarter-Time Chaos Wheel
Perfect for: When you want to keep the chaos fresh.
How it works:
Spin a wheel (real or app-based) at each quarter break with fun punishments like:
- “Speak only in footy lingo next quarter”
- “Drink every time you hear ‘forward pressure’”
- “Can’t say a player’s name—use nicknames only”
- “Every score = a sip, no matter what”
Unpredictable. Hilarious. A guaranteed mess.
Footy Finals Party Ideas to Pair With Your Drinking Game
The AFL Grand Final isn’t just a game—it’s a cultural event, a religious experience, and the perfect excuse to throw the most legendary backyard bash since that one time someone tried to deep-fry a meat pie. Whether you’re hosting a few close mates or your entire suburb, here’s how to create the ultimate footy finals vibe that pairs perfectly with your AFL drinking game antics.
1. Themed Decorations: Turn Your House Into the MCG (or Close Enough)
- Team Colors Galore: Deck out your space in scarves, flags, streamers, and balloons repping the teams playing. If it’s a neutral gathering, go rogue and hang every team’s banner.
- DIY Banner Lines: Hang a string with handwritten team chants or “GO CATS” and “EAT ‘EM ALIVE” signs.
- Inflatable Footy Goals or Cardboard Cutouts: Perfect for backyard games or just to accidentally fall into after your fourth beer.
Tip: Lay out a mini red carpet to the “VIP section” (aka the beanbags) and call it “Brownlow Lounge.”
2. Footy-Inspired Food & Drink: Fuel for the Footy Fiends
- Meat Pies & Sausage Rolls: The holy grail. Bonus points for handing them out during quarter-time like you’re a concession stand hero.
- “Hot Chips Hat Trick”: Three kinds of chips—fries, potato crisps, and sweet potato wedges. Triple threat.
- Themed Drinks:
- “Mullet Mojito”
- “BT’s Bloody Mary”
- “The Dusty Destroyer” (basically a Jägerbomb with bad decisions)
- Team-Based Beer Coolers: Label your esky with team names and color-coded drinks. Winner takes all… the next round.
Add a “hydration station” for responsible legends who know the fourth quarter isn’t for the faint of liver.
3. Halftime Entertainment: Keep the Party Kicking
- Footy Trivia Showdown:
- Prep 10-15 questions.
- Winner gets a shot to give, loser does the worm or finishes a drink.
- Mini Handball Competition:
- Set up a target (bucket, old esky, or your least favorite cousin).
- Winner gets to skip the next drink penalty.
- Mark of the Day Reenactments:
- Recreate iconic marks using pillows or beanbags. Bonus if you shout “Leo Barry, you star!” mid-air.
If you’ve got a footy and a vaguely open space, consider a chaotic kick-to-kick during halftime. Broken garden gnomes are just part of the game.
4. Drinking Game Scoreboard: Who’s Winning at Losing?
Set up a whiteboard or chalkboard with everyone’s names and keep track of:
- Shots taken
- “Mullet Madness” wins
- Commentary bingo completions
- Most “BALL!” calls
Award the MVP at the end (Most Valuable Punter) with a plastic trophy or just eternal bragging rights and a sausage roll.
5. Costume Theme: Go Full AFL Nuffie
Encourage costumes. Yes, seriously.
- Go as your favorite player (bonus if you mimic their hair—mullet or man bun welcome).
- DIY umpire outfit with a whistle that gives you drink-refereeing power.
- Full kit wanker? We salute you.
- Someone show up as the Sherrin? Absolute legend.
6. Final Siren Send-Off Ritual
The game’s over, the esky’s almost dry, and someone’s asleep on the dog.
Wrap up with:
- A group “Up There Cazaly” singalong
- A slow-mo replay reenactment of the final goal
- An award ceremony: Best Fan, Worst Kick, Loudest Boo, Most Drinks Survived
- If your team won, cry joyfully. If not, claim it was “a rebuilding year.”
Pro tip: Whether your team wins or not, if you walk away with a half-eaten pie, a bruised ego, and a phone full of blurry photos—you’ve done Grand Final Day right.