https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl/af...d-final-menu-ahead-of-game-day-ng-b882014179z
AFL grand final: Optus Stadium bosses give sneak peak of grand final menu ahead of game day
Briana FioreThe West Australian
Wed, 22 September 2021 11:04AM
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Briana Fiore
Stick that in your piehole.
Steak sandwiches with Marble Bar scotch fillet, rolls stuffed with steamed rock lobster from Cervantes and truffles from Manjimup will be just some of the WA produce on this year’s grand final menu.
When WA was told it would be hosting the big game, Optus Stadium bosses told local producers they wanted the menu to have a “WA flair”.
The food has started arriving from every corner of the State, with staff expecting to unload six trucks every hour for the rest of the week.
There will need to be enough food to feed the 61,266 fans who have tickets to the Melbourne and Western Bulldogs season decider.
However, traditionalists need not worry. There will also be the usual footy staples available at the game.
New West Foods in Malaga will supply nine tonnes of potatoes and 6000 pieces of flathead for those keen on fish and chips.
They will also hand over 12,000 pies and 14,000 chicken wings.
Several thousand pizzas from Cheeky Brothers and hot dogs will also be on the menu.
NWF manager Damon Venoutsos said a lot of thought had gone into which foods would be easy to eat while watching the footy.
Mr Venoutsos said people often had a beer in one hand so the food portion, presentation and packaging were a priority during planning.
Optus chief executive Mike McKenna said the menu was the creme de la creme — despite only having 25 days notice the game of the year would call Perth home.
“We are used to doing big events ... everyone is relaxed ... everything is under control,” Mr McKenna said three days out from the grand final.
Mr McKenna said people would not have to wait too long in queues, with about 2600 staff working on game day.
Sports Minister Tony Buti said NAB predicted $200 million would be splurged at food retailers and liquor stores between Thursday and Saturday.
Small Business Minister Reece Whitby urged people to support independent liquor stores, supermarkets, butchers and pubs if they did not have tickets to the game.