That’s a rap: Snoop Dogg locked in to perform at the AFL Grand Final
The West Coast rapper Snoop Dogg has been confirmed as this year's pre-game entertainment in Melbourne
THE WEST COAST has actually made it to the AFL Grand Final . . . just not the Perth one. The other “West Coast” – aka Snoop Dogg – the man whose laid-back drawl and elastic beats helped define 1990s hip-hop, will headline the pre-game entertainment at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 27.
“It’s an absolute honour to be hitting the stage at the AFL Grand Final,” Snoop said in a statement. “It’s one of the biggest events on the Aussie calendar. Can’t wait to bring the energy and celebrate with the fans. Let’s make it unforgettable”.
‘Unforgettable’ could be an understatement. This is a performer who’s played to packed stadiums from the Super Bowl, became the biggest meme from the Paris Olympics and who has made “laid back” a personal brand.
As to whether he’s a fan of the game – does it really matter any more? He’s the kind of cultural heavyweight who can stroll into any arena and own it, whether that’s in a cloud of smoke or draped in a tracksuit that could double as stage lighting. AFL boss Andrew Dillon put it plainly during a press conference: “Snoop Dogg is a pioneer, a performer, and a true entertainer. He’s played to packed stadiums around the world – but we think 100,000 fans at the MCG might just be his most iconic crowd yet”.
It’s also not the first time the Grand Final has gone international. Katy Perry, Robbie Williams, The Killers – even Meat Loaf’s infamous 2011 appearance – have all had their turn under the MCG spotlight. Snoop’s addition follows the same logic: when you’re dealing with the country’s biggest sporting stage, subtlety isn’t really the brief.
Of course, this won’t be his first trip to Australia. Since his initial visa ban was lifted in 2008, Snoop Dogg has toured the country multiple times, hitting festivals and arenas with the same mix of charisma and calculated nonchalance that made him a global name.
The pre-game show traditionally starts an hour before the 2:30 pm bounce, with a motorcade, team introductions, and a mix of performances. Somewhere in that build-up, Snoop will step onto the stage – a rapper from Long Beach commanding the biggest stage in Australian sport. And if his promise to “bring the energy” holds, it’ll be the kind of set that earns its own highlight reel alongside the match itself.
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