Snoop Dogg Dazzles and Divides at 2025 AFL Grand Final Pre-Game Show in Melbourne

Snoop Dogg Electrifies the 2025 AFL Grand Final with Star-Studded Pre-Game Show

Snoop Dogg delivered a memorable pre-game entertainment show at the 2025 AFL Grand Final between the Geelong Cats and the Brisbane Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Saturday, September 27th. The performance, featuring Australian artists, divided fans but created a buzz, leading up to Brisbane's epic victory.

AFL Grand Final Pre-Game Entertainment Highlights

The festivities kicked off with Baker Boy performing 'Thick Skin', followed by the parade of champions. Veteran performer Mike Brady delivered his annual rendition of ‘Up There Cazaly.’ The crowd erupted when Snoop Dogg took the stage for a medley of his hits.

• Baker Boy’s performance of ‘Thick Skin’
• Mike Brady's performance of ‘Up There Cazaly’
• Snoop Dogg’s medley of hits

Snoop Dogg’s setlist included iconic tracks such as "The Next Episode," "Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang," and "Drop It Like It's Hot." The performance was complete with dancers, a marching band, and pyrotechnics. Jessica Mauboy joined Snoop on stage for a rendition of "Beautiful", a throwback to their collaboration in Mauboy's 2010 hit "Get 'Em Girls". Tash Sultana also joined on guitar and Baker Boy featured in the performance.

Reactions to Snoop Dogg's Grand Final Performance

The performance sparked varied reactions. Some praised the entertainment, while others were critical. Gerard Healy on SEN gave it a "tick" for being aesthetically spectacular, while Gerard Whateley commented on the unusual musical choices for the crowd.

"I give it a tick. It was aesthetically spectacular. He performed, the DOGG." - Gerard Healy

Despite some criticism, many fans online hailed Snoop Dogg as the "King of Rap" and praised the AFL for booking the hip-hop icon. Others were critical of the performance not vibing with the daytime event.

The Road to the Grand Final Entertainment

The AFL has increasingly invested in international acts for Grand Final pre-game entertainment, following in the footsteps of Katy Perry, KISS, and Robbie Williams. Snoop Dogg expressed his excitement about performing at the event, calling it a "dream come true." He also acknowledged the significance of AFL to Australian culture, describing it as "part of your DNA."

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon defended the choice of Snoop Dogg, emphasizing his transformation over the years and his experience performing at major events like the Super Bowl and the Olympics.

Grand Final Day Details

The Grand Final festivities included a pre-game show by Baker Boy, the Toyota HiLux Lap of Legends, and the performance by Mike Brady. The match itself began at 2:30 pm AEST. The event was broadcast live on Channel 7 and 7Plus in Australia and on WatchAFL internationally.

Ultimately, Snoop Dogg's performance added an international flavour to the 2025 AFL Grand Final, highlighting the league's ambition to create a global entertainment spectacle. The Brisbane Lions victory capped off an eventful day that will be remembered for its unique blend of sport and entertainment.