ALYSIA THOMAS-SAM, REPORTER: In this year’s AFL Grand Final it’s a clash between the Kings of The Jungle and the Kings of Geelong … 

It’s the first time both teams are meeting in a grand final.

But today it was all about the d.o.g.g – Snoop Dogg.

Off the back of commentating at the Olympics and performing at the super bowl, the American rapper will headline the AFL Grand Final pre-game entertainment.

SNOOP DOGG, RAPPER AND SONGWRITER:  These are dreams come true for me, like I was a kid that dreamed of getting to meet athletes and now I’m actually able to perform for the biggest sporting events in the world.

ALYSIA THOMAS-SAM: Today, selected journalists were invited to watch an interview with Snoop Dogg but not allowed to ask questions.

SNOOP DOGG:  I’ve been coming to this country for years, I understand what this game is, what it means, so I know it’s not just a sport, it’s a way of life. I know it’s not just a team or a club, it’s part of your DNA.

ALYSIA THOMAS-SAM: Jermey Cameron, Geelong’s key forward, playing this Saturday is focused on the footy, not the noise.

Do you have a favourite Snoop Dogg song?

JEREMY CAMERON, GEELONG PLAYER:  Nah I don’t, I barely listen to music. I’ll have to sneak out a half time and have a look.

ALYSIA THOMAS-SAM:  I think it’s pre-game.

JEREMY CAMERON:  Pre-game, there you go. That’s how much I know.

DOUG HAWKINS, FORMER AFL PLAYER:  We’ve got Snoop doggy daddy or Snoop, what is he? Daddy or doggy?

ALYSIA THOMAS-SAM: It’s not immediately obvious but former bulldog great Doug Hawkins will be cheering the Lions on. 

After playing 329 games for Footscray, he went on to play 21 for Fitzroy, which merged with the Brisbane Bears to become the Brisbane Lions.

DOUG HAWKINS:  I think the thing with Brisbane Lions Aly, I think Chris Fagan, the Brisbane Lions players, they don’t like him. They actually love him. I think that takes you a long, long way. 

ALYSIA THOMAS-SAM: According to Doug when it comes to grand final entertainment nothing beats…

DOUG HAWKINS:  What’s his name? I forgot the guy. How well am I going? Who sings Up There Cazaly. 

(Music)

ALYSIA THOMAS-SAM: His name is Mike Brady, and his song is ‘Up There Cazaly’. 

MIKE BRADY, MUSICIAN: This will be 46 years since I first sang it this week in 1979. Isn’t that unbelievable? I was two at the time.

ALYSIA THOMAS-SAM:  He performs it every year at the grand final. The song is an AFL anthem.

MIKE BRADY:  It’s just a fabulous feeling, hearing it coming back at you from the crowd. 

ALYSIA THOMAS-SAM: And he has this advice for Snoop Dogg.

MIKE BRADY:  I think a lot of the big liners, the headliners, the big shots that have come here, male and female have made a mistake because they haven’t learned anything about the game.

ALYSIA THOMAS-SAM: The popular rapper showed earlier this week he’s learnt a thing or two.

JASON AKERMANIS:  Snoop Doggg. I have Snoop Dogg on my playlist, I have Eminem, all the, what do they called? They’re probably not PC or they’re not for public consumption.

ALYSIA THOMAS-SAM: Snoop Dogg fan and former Brisbane player Jason Akermanis knows all about winning.

He played with the Lions when they won three premierships and has been awarded the league’s highest individual honour – the Brownlow Medal.

JASON AKERMANIS:  It’s going to be tough. Opposition’s tough. There’s no guarantees. And you just know watching a lot of footy and being part of footy my whole life, it could turn in a second.

ALYSIA THOMAS-SAM: The Lions are hunting back-to-back premierships. 

JASON AKERMANIS This is the best week when you’re a player because you know it’s the finish, the end win or lose it, let’s get on with it. It’s pretty cool.

ALYSIA THOMAS-SAM: Geelong’s last premiership was in 2022.

STEVE HOCKING, GEELONG FOOTBALL CLUB:  There’s an afterglow that comes with it that lasts for quite a while.

ALYSIA THOMAS-SAM: Former player Steve Hocking is the CEO of Geelong. He played in the ‘80’s and ‘90’s and knows what it feels like to play in a losing a grand final.

STEVE HOCKING:  Oh, it’s not pleasant. It lives with you for a long time, and I’ve been very fortunate to come back in as an administrator and be able to be involved in successful days. 

ALYSIA THOMAS-SAM: This week, the final touches were being made to the MCG to make it pitch perfect for the Cats, the Lions and Snoop Dogg.

STEVE HOCKING:  I hope he does a good job. We’re not paying too much, are we?