A
Set small text size

A
Set the default text size

A
Set large text size

Nearing the end of a season filled with widespread criticism of AFL decision-making from start to finish, it’s only fitting that the league is set to once again draw the ire of fans at the grand final.

According to Channel 7’s Mitch Cleary, the AFL have green-lit post-goal music for both Geelong and Brisbane players for the decider, continuing a season-long tradition for both teams.

The Lions have become renowned for following every player’s goal in home games at the Gabba with a unique song, with fans quickly jumping on board.

Most famously, star forward Charlie Cameron’s Country Roads song is regularly sung by Lions supporters immediately after a goal, even memorably interrupted when the goalsneak bagged another major mid-rendition in the 2023 qualifying final.

In recent years, the Cats have joined in on the trend, though most clubs remain content with minimal noise immediately following a goal.

But away from the Gabba and GMHBA Stadium, post-goal music is a divisive issue, with the AFL and the MCG particularly criticised following a Cats-Lions preliminary final in 2022, with a spate of piercingly loud tunes deemed ‘noise pollution’ and ‘cringe-worthy’ by both fans and the media alike, causing a backtrack for that year’s grand final.

Three years on, Cleary’s announcement that every goal will bring with it a music number has copped a barrage of criticism on social media.

Another reason not to watch
AFL has done everything it can to make this year the worst year for the viewer

— Chief (@Chief_Wicks) September 26, 2025

Disgusting, once again the AFL have 0 feel for what fans want

— ???? (@flagswans26) September 26, 2025

What an absolute joke. Fancy drowning out pure crowd noise at the biggest game of the year with SHITHOUSE music. Every year, bit by bit, the game as we loved it is being eroded. Until one day it will be unrecognisable. Just like the old frog in a pot. So incredibly disheartening https://t.co/gQjwIoBgtF

— Ronny Lerner (@RonnyLerner) September 26, 2025

There is something very special about the noise crowds make after goals, particularly in finals, even more so in grand finals. The AFL has lost touch with what is important in the game.

— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) September 26, 2025

@AFLcomau Read the room, and read this comments.

Maybe get a feel for what your own fucking fans want from this game

— JonButters (@butters_jon) September 26, 2025

No other initiative makes me feel more out of the loop than this. Surely nobody enjoys the songs that much? They drown out the crowd on the broadcast and you have to yell to talk to the person next to you at the stadium. They’re horrible

— Hugeo Edickete FPL (@analysis_dept) September 26, 2025

100,000 people but we want music to create an atmosphere? wtf are we doing ?

— Kevin Merc ???????????????????????? (@oldmatekevin) September 26, 2025

The dumbest thing ever. Let the crowd set the tone not the players favourite songs. Stupid

— RCanna⚫️⚪️???? (@canna82) September 26, 2025

Starcevich somehow sneaks forward late, kicks a Sheed type goal to put them up by a kick. All Star by Smash Mouth plays.

This is a legitimately possible scenario tomorrow. Whoever ticked it off needs to quickly reverse the call https://t.co/STXLFoOd3A

— Gordon (@beetgordon_) September 26, 2025

In response, the AFL Fans Association, an unauthorised body representing AFL supporters, posted to social media claiming a recent poll run by the organisation found 78 per cent of Australian football fans, including 77 per cent of MCG attendees, were against post-goal music.

Mitch Cleary reports there will be songs played after goals in tomorrow’s Grand Final.

A recent AFL Fans Association Facebook poll showed 78% of fans across the country and 77% of fans at the M.C.G did not want music played after goals.

Fan thoughts?

???? Tripple M Football pic.twitter.com/J1wkYDtczP

— AFL Fans Association (@FansAFL) September 26, 2025

In an added absurdity, one of the competing coaches has gone on record saying he isn’t a fan of music during AFL games.

Following Geelong’s home-and-away win over Sydney in August, Chris Scott revealed the trend is ‘not my thing at all’ – and popular song The Macarena in particular.

“The music after goals is not my thing at all – ask me what I’d change in the AFL, that’s it,” Scott said.

“I hate that song.”