Fans of the AFL tore through the Grand Final’s pre-game entertainment, which was savaged with an excessive number of melodramatic cover tracks.
One of the biggest critiques of pre-match entertainment over the last few years has been the absence of homegrown talent.
In 2018, the fans were less than impressed when the AFL announced that the American pop band The Black Eyed Peas will play in front of the Grand Final between the West Coast Eagles and Collingwood.
But thanks in particular to the coronavirus pandemic, this year’s Grand Final Entertainment was filled with Australian talent.
Three-piece punk band DMA ‘S and indie sensation Cub Sport headed the All-Australian line-up, which also included Wolfmother ‘s Andrew Stockdale. Local pop star Sheppard lit up the Gabba at half time.
For someone who dislikes football, this opening is really lovely so far #AFLGF
— Nicole Ferrie (@nicoleferrie) October 24, 2020
This is all very moving. #AFLGF
— Osman Faruqi (@oz_f) October 24, 2020
Oh my god I am hysterically weeping after that amazing welcome to country and opening song at the footy. Profoundly beautiful. #AFLGF #Indigenous @ThelmaPlum_ @ElectricFmusic
That really meant something.— Madeleine Morris (@Mad_Morris) October 24, 2020
Sports writer Titus O’Reily posted: “Shots of an empty MCG are just cruel.”
Podcaster Rose Callaghan posted: “Lol my eyes just started leaking at the footage of the empty MCG. IM FINE.”
The Advocate reporter Alex Fair posted: “Shots of an empty MCG though make me sad. It’s almost cruel.”
ESPNcricinfo journalist Daniel Brettig tweeted: “Can’t help but cry laugh at how much better the MCG looks than the Gabba.”