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Image Courtesy: BrooklynVegan
American rap icon Snoop Dogg has been confirmed as the star of the Telstra Pre-Game Entertainment at the 2025 AFL Grand Final, which will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Saturday, 27th September. This announcement has made headlines. The 53-year-old performer's first-ever live appearance at the storied MCG comes after recent Grand Final showcases that included international acts like Robbie Williams, Katy Perry, KISS, and The Killers.
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Image Courtesy: People
In an effort to elevate Grand Final Day beyond the actual game, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon hailed the move as a potent cultural moment. ‘The largest event in the Australian athletic calendar is the AFL Grand Final, and it just got a whole lot bigger this year’, Dillon said. He added, ‘Snoop Dogg is a pioneer, a performer, and a true entertainer… we think 100,000 fans at the MCG might just be his most iconic crowd yet’.
Why, Snoop?
Mushroom Group, which is renowned for producing some of the AFL's most ambitious pre-match spectacles, is in charge of organizing the entertainment bill. Snoop was praised as a global cultural superstar by its CEO, Matt Gudinski, who also hinted at the inclusion of other Australian acts in the programe and promised a ‘unforgettable show.’
Because of its connections with promoters like Mushroom Group, which allow for the hiring of international touring stars, the AFL has continuously landed greater names than rival codes like the NRL, according to music industry insiders. Snoop's arrival makes use of his proximity—he had performed in the Philippines only two days earlier—as well as his reputation as a hip-hop superstar worldwide.
Fan Cheers and Controversy
Social media was ablaze with excitement at the announcement. While several fans praised the MCG atmosphere that will undoubtedly ensue, another fan referred to him as ‘the ultimate G at the G’.
However, not all of the comments were positive. Some said that Snoop doesn't represent the spirit of Aussie rules, and that a native Grand Final should include local music titans rather than foreign imports.
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Commentator Andrew Bolt's opinion piece, which accused the AFL of hypocrisy, caused even more outrage. Citing Snoop Dogg's criminal past and lyrics with drug themes, he criticized the AFL's strong anti-drug and inclusive principles as being in conflict with its own Respect and Responsibility Policy.
Setting the Stage for an Unforgettable Grand Final
As excitement grows, Snoop Dogg's arrival is expected to transform the AFL Grand Final into a more cultural event by fusing international musical flare with athletic spectacle. The pre-match matchup is certain to become one of the most talked-about entries in the Grand Final's entertainment legacy, with millions of viewers nationwide and an anticipated 100,000 fans at the MCG.
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Image Courtesy: TheMusic.com
One thing is certain: this year's AFL Grand Final will not be your typical game, regardless of whether you are excited for the rhythms or are shocked by the selection.
