Mount Rushmore - AFL Grand Final Performances

Just like Batman and Robin, salt and pepper, or rock and roll, a great AFL Grand Final relies on its counterpart: the halftime or pre-game performance.

Over the years, there have been some fantastic acts and some god-awful ones. The trajectory looks to be going upwards, with more spending on pyrotechnics, fireworks, and overall theatrics. As we inch closer to the status of Super Bowl halftime performances, the AFL searches far and wide for bigger and better entertainers.

With the topical conversation about who will perform at this year's Grand Final, and whispers of Katy Perry circulating in the media, I thought I would recount my Mount Rushmore of Best AFL Grand Final Live Performances.

From a terribly cooked Meat Loaf to a lonely-looking Ed Sheeran by himself at the 'G, there have been some less-than-desirable performances. But there have been great ones too, from The Killers to the Black Eyed Peas and Lionel Richie.

I will try to look at these performances without the biased lens of the match result on the day, as this can sometimes match or reinforce the performance. These perspectives will focus solely on the live entertainment value.

So, without further ado,

My Top 4 AFL Grand Final Performances:

2008 - Powderfinger

I mean, can you go wrong? Powderfinger, bagpipes, circus performers, and AC/DC covers—definitely not! It was a stellar performance by Bernard Fanning and the band, showcasing one of the greatest Australian acts on one of the biggest stages. It makes it all the more special that only two years later and they would stop performing live together.

Powderfinger delivered an unforgettable mashup of "On My Mind" with AC/DC's "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll).". Just imagine, it's that sunny September afternoon, with a Carlton Draught in one hand and a footy record in the other, two iconic Australian sounds filled the air. No, you’re not in heaven or Valhalla; you’re at the MCG!

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2022 - Robbie Williams

Not only did Robbie Williams win our hearts, but we won his—now being a self-diagnosed Carlton blue for life. As one of the first to truly embrace AFL culture, he stands out as perhaps the biggest rockstar to grace the Grand Final stage.

His performance included hits like “Let Me Entertain You,” “Rock DJ,” “Angels,” and a John Farnham cover of “You’re the Voice,” along with “Kids” featuring Delta Goodrem.

With heartfelt tributes, witty remarks, and an infectious energy, Robbie delivered the massive lift the crowd needed for the big day. Well done, Robbie, and well done, Gill!

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2002 & 2013 - Hunters and Collectors

Similar to Powderfinger, how does it get better than this? What are the players searching for? The Holy Grail. And as fans, what are we also searching for? The Holy Grail . This is the perfect anthem for the most perfect day.

It’s no wonder they performed twice—going, going, gone! Hopefully, they’ll return to the hallowed turf to perform again. It just doesn’t get better than classic Aussie rock reverberating around the concrete coliseum where players stand on the precipice of eternity.

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2023 - Kiss

True stadium rockers—old-time heroes and new-time legends. While some might argue it's recency bias, the money being pumped into the entertainment factor seems to double every year. They certainly didn’t skimp last year when American rockers Kiss "rocked and rolled all night."

With giant flames, seemingly hundreds of choreographed kids, and one climactic guitar smash, it was a performance for both the old and the young. It fit the brief perfectly and was a massive win for the AFL and the fans alike.

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Special mention to this all time clanger or highlight of Peter Landy kicking a child after getting balloons in his live coverage.