THE AFL's significant push into the Sydney market is continuing at full speed, packing out the first official Grand Final luncheon in the city on Tuesday.

Around 850 guests poured into plush surrounds in Pyrmont as the league's newest club Greater Western Sydney hosted the event, which was attended by some of the game's greats.

Michael Long, Kevin Sheedy, Tom Harley and Barry Breen were among those in attendance as Australian Football took another step forward spreading the gospel of the game in Sydney.

"From all accounts it's the first real AFL function during Grand Final week, 850 people," Harley told afl.com.au.

"The fact we can draw such a crowd, obviously the Giants are the hosts, but it's not just about the Giants.

"To hear Mark Williams and 'Sheeds' talk about all their Grand Final experiences is great.

"Little wins like this are really important for us."

The event was another opportunity for GWS to promote their brand ahead of their entry into the competition in 2012.

Key signings Tom Scully, Callan Ward, Phil Davis and Rhys Palmer were absent as they enjoy holidays ahead of the club's pre-season in November, but were featured in video presentations to the crowd.

There was also an unveiling of just how the club's home ground at Homebush Bay - Skoda Stadium - is being redeveloped, including the installation of the largest video scoreboard in the southern hemisphere.

"This is going to be an unbelievable experience for anyone who goes along next year," Giants chief executive Dale Holmes said.

Giants head coach Sheedy, as well as Williams, Long and Stephen Silvagni, recalled their favourite Grand Final moments, while Angry Anderson belted out a couple of hits.

But the Giants were the main focus of the day, and Harley is confident they will soon have an impact in the city, where rugby league is still the dominant sport.

"The fact we're now going to have two clubs here and an elite game every weekend in the NSW/ACT market is just fantastic," he said.

"The momentum the Giants are building is terrific.

"We've seen presentations about their stadium and about their player list, [and] corporate support is good.

"We know it's a generational investment, but I'm really confident they'll surprise a lot of people."

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of the AFL or the clubs.