Snoop Dogg Electrifies AFL Grand Final at the MCG

Snoop Dogg Steals the Spotlight at the AFL Grand Final

Every year, the AFL Grand Final transforms Melbourne’s MCG into the beating heart of Australian sport. But in 2025, the hallowed turf saw something wholly unexpected: Snoop Dogg, the legendary US rapper, not only taking the stage but also making headlines before the first bounce. As anticipation for the Cats vs Lions showdown reached fever pitch, Snoop managed to turn a music gig into a cultural event, marking a new chapter in the Grand Final’s storied history.

Historic Cats vs Lions Clash: 138 Years in the Making

This year’s Grand Final carried extra weight. For the first time in 138 years, the Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions faced off for the coveted flag. Both clubs entered the contest with strong pedigrees: Geelong, chasing its 11th V/AFL premiership and third under coach Chris Scott, and Brisbane, aiming for a 13th (including Fitzroy’s tally) and the rare feat of back-to-back wins under Chris Fagan. As Fox Sports noted, these two teams have dominated the decade, making this clash a battle for supremacy in the 2020s.

With a rematch of a qualifying final—the first since 2018—the stakes couldn’t be higher. Geelong had recently dispatched Hawthorn, while Brisbane overcame Collingwood, setting up a contest between the most consistent teams of recent years. The winner would not only claim the cup, but also stake a claim as the AFL’s team of the decade.

Streaming, Tickets, and the Melbourne Grand Final Parade

The 2025 AFL Grand Final was broadcast live on Seven and 7Plus, with replays available on Kayo Sports. International fans could access the spectacle via WatchAFL, ensuring the clash reached a global audience. In Victoria, excitement was palpable, spilling into the streets for the Grand Final Parade—a public holiday dedicated to celebrating footy fever.

As always, tickets were scarce and highly sought after. According to The Age, allocations favored club members, corporates, and AFL stakeholders, leaving most fans to experience the magic from afar. The breakdown: thousands of seats for club and AFL members, MCC, and corporate partners, but no general public sales unless you splurged on a premium package.

Snoop Dogg’s Pre-Game Performance: More Than Music

Yet, even before the opening siren, Snoop Dogg had the city buzzing. His selection as pre-game entertainment was met with surprise—and a dash of controversy. Would the West Coast hip-hop legend connect with Aussie footy faithful? The answer came fast. Snoop arrived early, and in a moment captured by Herald Sun, he slotted a “miracle goal” at the ‘G, proving he wasn’t just here to rap—he was ready to embrace the AFL spirit.

Snoop’s performance was a spectacle in itself. He was joined by Tash Sultana, Baker Boy, Emma Donovan, Kee’ahn, and Mike Brady, forming a lineup as eclectic as Melbourne itself. Vera Blue was tasked with the national anthem, rounding out a cast that blended international star power with homegrown talent. The crowd, a mosaic of footy fans and music lovers, roared in approval as Snoop brought his signature swagger to the stage, bridging cultures and generations in real time.

For some, the sight of Snoop Dogg on the MCG might have felt surreal—a rapper, famed for his West Coast anthems, trading beats for boots. But the energy was undeniable. The pre-game show set the tone: this was a Grand Final for the ages, and everyone was invited to the party.

Game Day Drama: Weather, Sprint, and the Quest for Glory

Saturday, September 28, dawned partly cloudy, with temperatures hovering around 18°C and a 30% chance of rain, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. The weather kept fans guessing: would slippery conditions favor one side, or would the MCG’s storied grass hold up?

Beyond the football, tradition took center stage with the Grand Final Sprint—a 100-metre dash featuring one entrant from each AFL club. Past winners like Beau McCreery and Max Holmes were celebrated, with new names ready to etch themselves into sprinting folklore.

As the game unfolded, the prospect of a draw loomed. AFL rules dictate that, in case of a tie, extra time would follow: two three-minute halves, teams swapping ends, and additional interchanges. If scores remained level, another round of extra time would ensue—a testament to the league’s commitment to dramatic finishes.

Crowning the Champions: Medals, Memories, and Legacy

Victory at the Grand Final brings more than a cup. Champion goalkicker Jonathan Brown was set to present the trophy if Brisbane triumphed, with Geelong’s club legend to be announced. Four-time Hawthorn premiership player Luke Hodge would award the Norm Smith Medal to the best-on-ground, while West Coast’s Adam Simpson and Hall of Fame member Ken Fraser were chosen to present the Jock McHale and Ron Barassi Medals, respectively. Triple premiership Tiger Jack Riewoldt, the cup ambassador, would deliver the trophy to the MCG—an honor steeped in tradition.

Betting odds reflected the intensity of the matchup. Geelong, fresh off a 38-point win over Brisbane in the Qualifying Final, entered as favorites. Yet, as history shows, underdogs like Brisbane have upset predictions before—most recently in 2024 against Sydney.

The Pulse of the Crowd: Snoop’s Goal and the AFL’s Cultural Shift

What truly set 2025 apart was Snoop Dogg’s seamless blend into AFL lore. His “miracle goal” at the MCG became a viral sensation, symbolizing the event’s growing embrace of international flavor. Social media lit up, fans shared clips, and for a brief moment, the boundary between sport and entertainment blurred. Snoop’s presence was more than a headline—it was a signal that the AFL Grand Final is evolving, open to new influences and broader audiences.

As the final siren sounded and the winner was crowned, the 2025 AFL Grand Final left an imprint that went beyond scores and statistics. It was a celebration of history, rivalry, and the power of spectacle—driven not only by the game’s best athletes but also by a rapper who reminded everyone that, sometimes, sport is bigger than itself.

The 2025 AFL Grand Final proved that tradition and innovation can thrive together. Snoop Dogg’s headline role didn’t overshadow the football—it elevated it, drawing new eyes and new energy to a beloved institution. For the AFL, it’s a signpost for the future: more global, more inclusive, and more unforgettable.