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Best & worst AFL grand final entertainment acts of all time

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 7:58 GMT by Perth Now
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AFL Grand Final Pre‑Game Entertainment: The Best, The Worst, and What It Means for the Game

The Australian Football League’s marquee match is a national spectacle that extends far beyond the on‑field clash. For years, the AFL has turned the grand‑final stage into a showcase of pop music, circus acts, and high‑profile performances. The Perth Now piece, “AFL grand final: the best and worst pre‑game entertainment acts of all time,” catalogues the history of those acts, ranking them and exploring why some resonated with fans while others missed the mark. Below is a synthesis of the key take‑aways, framed in a broader context of fan culture, commercial sponsorship, and the evolving identity of Australian sport.

The High‑Point Performances

The article opens with a celebratory look at a handful of pre‑game shows that have become legendary in their own right. The performers most often mentioned are:

The common thread among these acts is an alignment with the AFL’s brand identity: vibrant, inclusive, and unmistakably Australian. Fans remember the Wiggles because they’re beloved children’s entertainers, and the John Butler Trio’s sound echoed the “down‑under” ethos that the league prides itself on. Moreover, these acts often incorporate elements of football culture—such as wearing club colours or incorporating club chants—creating a sense of unity between the entertainment and the sporting product.

The Acts That Fell Flat

The article is equally candid about the pre‑game entertainment that missed the mark, and it offers a critique that is as much about timing and relevance as it is about musical talent. Key examples include:

The common criticism is that many of these acts were either too disconnected from the AFL’s core audience or too generic. In several cases, the performance was marketed as “star‑powered” but failed to engage the stadium in a meaningful way.

What Drives the Choice of Entertainment?

The article delves into why the AFL selects certain acts over others, citing three key factors:

1. Commercial Partnerships: Sponsors play a big role in shaping the entertainment. In years when the AFL had deals with music‑centric brands, the selection leaned heavily toward pop and rock.
2. Fan Surveys: The AFL has conducted fan surveys in recent years, asking participants to rate potential performers. Acts that received the highest net promoters became prime candidates.
3. Cultural Relevance: Performers who embody Australian culture—whether through music, humour, or celebrity status—tend to perform better in terms of crowd engagement.

The article quotes a former AFL communications executive who explains that the league’s “objective is to make the grand final a celebration, not a concert.” This philosophy has driven a shift toward more “family‑friendly” or locally relevant acts in recent years.

The Bigger Picture: Entertainment as a Brand Asset

Beyond the immediate reactions of the crowd, pre‑game entertainment acts serve as a broader marketing platform. The article notes how the AFL uses these acts to:

• Extend the Match Day Experience: By providing a seamless entertainment block, the league keeps fans engaged while they wait for the game to start.
• Generate Media Coverage: The “headline” act often attracts media attention, leading to additional exposure for both the AFL and the performer.
• Create Revenue Streams: Sponsorship of the entertainment segment is a lucrative opportunity, especially when tied to high‑profile acts.

The article also highlights that the AFL has experimented with “interactive” pre‑game experiences—like fan‑controlled light shows or augmented reality—to keep up with shifting expectations of younger audiences.

Lessons Learned and Future Directions

The Perth Now piece concludes by summarising the key lessons for future grand‑final entertainment:

• Balance Tradition with Innovation: While new acts can bring fresh energy, they should still respect the AFL’s heritage and audience demographics.
• Align with the Fan Base: The performers must resonate with the core demographic—usually families and long‑time supporters—rather than aim for a niche, adult‑only crowd.
• Leverage Community Engagement: Some of the best acts involve community participation, such as local schools or fan‑generated content, which can create a deeper emotional connection.

The article hints that the AFL’s next grand‑final pre‑game lineup may involve more collaborative acts that blend music, sport, and local culture—a trend that aligns with the league’s broader “community first” strategy.

In Summary

The Perth Now article provides an engaging look at the history of AFL grand‑final pre‑game entertainment, highlighting the performers that captured the imagination of fans and those that fell short. The discussion moves beyond mere entertainment to examine the interplay between commercial interests, fan culture, and the league’s brand identity. Whether you’re a die‑hard supporter or a casual observer, the evolution of the grand‑final entertainment act offers a window into how the AFL adapts to changing tastes while staying true to its roots.