Brits living in Melbourne may need friends or relatives to send a parcel to Australia to remind them of home as the city gears up for the annual AFL final.

Most people know AFL - the Australian Football League - simply as Aussie Rules, the high-octane sport that is a cross between rugby and wrestling.

The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), which can hold up to 100,000 fervent fans, plays host to the final.

Teams from all over the country compete for the coveted trophy in a competition that was once the preserve of the state of Victoria.

This year the final is on Saturday September 25th, with the teams still to play their semi-final matches this weekend.

Fremantle play Geelong Cats in the first semi, while Western Bulldogs are to take on Sydney Swans in the second, with both matches to be held at the MCG.

Melbourne whips up the party atmosphere with a parade the day before the final and it is customary for Victorians to hold parties and barbecues of their own.