As parties kick on, it’ll be a $180m spend-up

FOOTY fans across the country are stocking up on sausages, meat pies, bread and alcohol in greater numbers than ever before as they get set for finals celebrations this weekend.

The sports-mad across both codes — the AFL and NRL — will be splashing cash on traditional stay-at home celebrations while others will flood bars, pubs and clubs.

National Australia Bank forecasts Australians will spend more than $180.7 million tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday.

This is up 7 per cent on the $167.5 million that was spent last year.

The 2017 premiers and favourites Richmond will take on AFL Grand Final debutants Greater Western Sydney at the MCG.

NRL fans will be desperate to find out who will make it through to the grand final — the Canberra Raiders take on South Sydney tomorrow night at home.

And Melbourne Storm faces the Sydney Roosters at the SCG on Saturday night in the preliminary final, with all four vying for a sport in the NRL Grand Final on Sunday, October 6.

NAB figures show in NSW they are expected to spend $32.8 million at supermarkets, local food retailers and liquor outlets and another $19 million at cafes, restaurants and pubs.

This is equivalent to 68 million beef sausages, 21 million pies, 54 million bread rolls or 18 million lentil patties.

NAB spokesman Andy Kerr said the peak period would be between 4pm and 6pm tomorrow and also Saturday morning in the run-up to the kick off for the Grand Final.

“If you are looking to do any shopping and you can plan around shopping early I would get in before 4pm on Friday otherwise leave it until after the Grand Final to do the weekly shop,” Mr Kerr said.