Richmond and Geelong prepare for very different AFL grand final events as ring of steel separates Cats from Tigers

When Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced a further loosening of restrictions in regional Victoria last Sunday, Brock McFarlane’s Geelong pub, The Sporting Globe, put an additional 40 AFL grand final party tickets on sale.

They sold out in 10 minutes.

“It was crazy. I can’t explain how hectic it has been,” Mr McFarlane said.

“We were sold out as soon as the tickets came out, pretty much.”

The regional Victorian pub can welcome 140 customers to watch the city’s only AFL club, the Geelong Cats, take on the Richmond Tigers at the Gabba in Brisbane.

Four indoor rooms will be filled with a maximum of 10 people each, and 70 people are allowed in the outdoor beer garden.

Mr McFarlane said they were thankful to be allowed to welcome so many…