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How to Eat Like a Champion During the Footy Finals

How to Eat Like a Champion During the Footy Finals

by Mireille Kilgour

Whether you're a Swans supporter or cheering for the Hawks to win back to back finals, it's time to start thinking about what you're going to do about food this grand final day. Are you eating out to watch the game at your local pub? Are you having everyone over for a Footy Fiesta? Or are you planning on hitting the stadium?

Here's our suggestions on how to enjoy your footy fever with delicious food, whoever your team is:

Going to the game

Nils Versemann / Shutterstock.com

If you're going to a game, it's a big affair and often a full day event. To give yourself the energy of one the players, it's important to fuel yourself with the right foods. That way you can concentrate on the game and skip the unhealthy Chiko Roll snacks.

According to the experts, a match day diet starts the day before a big match, with a good, nutritious dinner. This could be a dish such as salmon and asparagus or chicken and pumpkin risotto. In the morning, stock up on porridge with honey and berries, eggs on wholemeal toast, fruit salad and yoghurt, and lots of water.

For great food close to the MCG and Melbourne's Sporting and Entertainment Precinct, Geppetto Trattoria offers mouth-watering home-style Italian cooking. Their rustic dishes focus strongly on pasta, seafood and slow-cooked meals, perfect for filling the belly just before the big game.

Having friends over

Game day is a whole lot more exciting when shared with friends, and having people over for a BBQ is a lot of fun. Nick Riewoldt of St Kilda likes to eat sushi before a big game. Other good footy foods include burgers, chilli dogs, nachos, and of course, a good ol' Aussie barbie.

Sushi: Sushi looks really glamorous served on a platter and is a great finger food for parties. For those who aren't huge lovers of raw fish, California Rolls are a good option, consisting of imitation crab sticks and avocado. Other simple fillings include: tuna and cucumber, smoked salmon and avocado and teriyaki chicken.

Burgers: There's nothing more Aussie for the finals then a hearty hamburger. A burger is delicious, easy to prepare and will fill even the hungriest of men, especially if you offer one with the works. As well as a beautiful meat patty, try adding pineapple, beetroot, roasted capsicum, bacon, tasty cheese, tomato, lettuce and a tangy relish.

BBQ: If you've got a big group of friends coming over for the game, a BBQ is a great way to go. Sausages are quick and easy to cook and everyone loves them. For a more gourmet take on the sausage sanga, get some floury rolls, and add tomato relish, cooked mushrooms, onions and salad.

Chilli dogs: Inspired by the American game day, chilli dogs are perfect for holding in your hand while cheering on your favourite team. Chilli is simple to prepare in a slow cooker and can be topped on a hotdog and served with pickles and sour cream.

Nachos: If you have a few vegetarians coming, a big plate of bean nachos can be a great option. Simply layer Mexican style beans with corn chips, sprinkle with cheese and bake in the oven for ten minutes. Top with sour cream, tomato salsa, avocado and coriander.

Dining out

Dining out takes the pressure off, meaning your only focus is the game itself. When footy fever hits Melbourne, a number of restaurants reveal their sporting passion by hosting special game day events.

The Duke is one of Melbourne's best loved and oldest pubs, established in 1853. It's recently seen extensive renovations and now features a modern bar and restaurant that serves high quality, affordable food. What's more, The Duke is offering a Grand Final Luncheon on September 24, to be hosted by Liam Pickering and featuring special guests Gary Ablett Jnr and Dane Swan. Tickets ($100) include a two-course lunch, beverage package for the duration of the event, auctions, a memorabilia shop and a chance to win some great prizes.

The Botanical, set in Melbourne's famous Botanical Gardens, also has plans for a 'Live and Loud' full day of fun in celebration of the footy finals. Serving $2 pots and $5 sparkling from 12noon until the first goal is scored, there is sure to be a great atmosphere. Choose from the all day BBQ or a long lunch from the a la Carte menu, which serves Provincial French / Mediterranean cuisine with the highest quality, sustainable produce. To add to the excitement, there will be a footy tipping competition, prizes and giveaways, and an after party with a live band.

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Mireille Kilgour

Mireille Kilgour has been an entrepreneur for 35 years in the hospitality sector. French born, she has been an accomplished business owner and operator for a number of Sydney venues. Leading the industry with high profile institutions such as Lamrock Café Bondi, she has endless passion for the industry, and now has the pleasure of supporting restaurants to fill their tables with the new Good Food Gift Card program.