When September rolls around in Melbourne, footy fever takes over—and nothing says AFL Finals quite like the smell of a BBQ in the backyard. At Rendina’s Butchery, we know that the finals aren’t just about the game, they’re about gathering friends and family, sharing food, and celebrating a tradition as big as the sport itself. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you put on a finals feast that’s stress-free, crowd-pleasing, and packed with flavour.
Planning for Finals Season
The 2025 AFL Finals Series began on Thursday, 4 September, with the Grand Final locked in for Saturday, 27 September at 2:30pm AEST. That gives you several weeks of footy gatherings, whether it’s a quiet Friday night preliminary final with family or a packed backyard grand final day celebration with friends.
The best finals hosting strategy is all about planning ahead. Think about your guest list, any dietary needs, and what food works best for easy serving. Crowd-pleasing meats like sausages, skewers, and burgers are always winners. The trick is balancing variety with convenience—enough options for everyone without tying yourself to the BBQ all day.
Why the Right Food Matters
When the game is on, nobody wants to fuss over complicated meals. The best food for footy finals is quick to cook, easy to eat in one hand, and hearty enough to keep energy levels high through the final quarter. Burgers are a classic, sausages are unbeatable for feeding a crowd, and spiedini (skewers) are a fun, no-fuss way to serve up flavour. For those who prefer something bigger, a perfectly grilled steak never goes out of style.
Of course, footy gatherings aren’t one-size-fits-all anymore. More and more people are asking for gluten free or paleo options—and that’s where Rendina’s Butchery really shines. Our gourmet Italian sausages, paleo sausages, and gluten free spiedini make sure no one feels left out at the table.
Building the Perfect Finals Menu
Here’s a simple spread that works for a crowd of 10–12 people:
-
Starters: Chicken or beef spiedini skewers, plus gluten-free sausages sliced with mustard or chimichurri.
-
Mains: Burgers with gluten free buns or lettuce wraps, Italian sausages with grilled onions, paleo sausages for grain-free eaters, and juicy porterhouse or ribeye steaks for something hearty.
-
Sides: A fresh green salad, gluten free coleslaw, and grilled seasonal veggies like zucchini, capsicum, and mushrooms.
-
Finish strong: A fruit platter or grilled pineapple to balance out the richness, or gluten free brownies for a sweet touch.
This menu gives you variety, caters to dietary needs, and keeps everything simple enough to enjoy without stress.
Hosting Without the Hassle
The secret to a stress-free finals BBQ is timing. Here’s a straightforward approach:
-
A week out: Decide on your menu and pre-order your meats to guarantee availability.
Mid-week: Marinate or pre-prep sides so you’re not chopping last-minute.
-
Game day morning: Pick up your order fresh from Rendina’s—remember, we’re open Fridays and Saturdays from 7am–1pm, perfect for stocking up early.
-
Just before bounce: Start sausages and skewers first, then move to steaks and burgers so everything hits the table hot.
By keeping things organised, you’ll spend more time enjoying the game and less time juggling tongs.
Why Rendina’s is Your Finals Partner
At Rendina’s Butchery, everything we prepare is about quality, flavour, and making your hosting easier. Our sausages are made in-house, our skewers are prepped and ready to hit the grill, and our cuts of steak are sourced from trusted farms. Many of our products are gluten free, paleo-friendly, and organic or biodynamic—so you’re serving food that tastes incredible and feels good to share.
We’re here to make sure your footy finals are unforgettable for all the right reasons: good mates, good food, and great footy.
Game Day, Sorted
This September, don’t let the pressure of feeding a crowd take the shine off the finals. With Rendina’s Butchery, you’ll have everything you need to put on a spread that kicks goals with everyone at the table. Stock up early, fire up the BBQ, and get ready to enjoy the AFL Finals with food that wins every time.
