When the AFL announced that Snoop Dogg would be the Grand Final\u2019s pre-match entertainment, the backlash was instant. Fans were fired up. Why bring in an American rapper when Australia has so many icons who could own the stage? Think Paul Kelly, Jimmy Barnes, hey if it has to be Hip-Hop Hilltop Hoods have a Top 10 album right now. Fair argument. It felt like another case of the AFL overlooking its own backyard.<\/p>\n
But here\u2019s the kicker: when game day rolled around, Snoop delivered. Big time.<\/p>\n
Snoop didn\u2019t just roll in, do a set, and leave. He built a show that blended his global hits with Australian talent. Jessica Mauboy joined him for Beautiful. Tash Sultana\u2019s guitar and vocals took Who Am I? (What\u2019s My Name?) to another level. Baker Boy added his trademark energy on Still D.R.E., and the crowd loved it.<\/p>\n
This wasn\u2019t Snoop Dogg parachuting in for a paycheck. It was a hip hop legend sharing the stage with some of Australia\u2019s best, giving them exposure on one of the biggest platforms in the country.<\/p>\n
The coverage after the performance showed just how divided people were.<\/p>\n
The Age praised Snoop for bringing \u201cCalifornia cool\u201d to the MCG, saying his stage presence turned a massive stadium into something that felt like a backyard party.<\/p>\n
Sky News reported fans calling it a \u201cblockbuster\u201d and \u201cthe highlight of the day.\u201d Social media lit up with people saying they couldn\u2019t believe they\u2019d just seen Snoop Dogg at the AFL Grand Final.<\/p>\n
Yahoo News called it a landmark moment, saying Snoop \u201cleft his mark on the MCG\u201d and that the energy when the first beats dropped was electric.<\/p>\n
Fox Sports was more straightforward. They focused on the setlist citing Drop It Like It\u2019s Hot, Gin and Juice, Still
D.R.E. and pointing out that the AFL had actually landed a genuine global superstar.<\/p>\n
But of course, not everyone was clapping along.<\/p>\n
ABC News leaned into the backlash. They reminded everyone that critics had slammed the booking from day one, pointing to Snoop\u2019s history of lyrics about violence and women. They asked whether putting him on centre stage clashed with the AFL\u2019s messaging around respect and domestic violence.<\/p>\n
On ABC\u2019s Religion & Ethics site, a sharp opinion piece called it \u201ca grave mistake,\u201d arguing that no amount of showmanship justifies celebrating an artist whose past normalised misogyny.<\/p>\n
Daily Mail played both sides, highlighting the spectacle and the surprise guest spots, but also showing plenty of fans online questioning whether Snoop was the right choice for a family-friendly event.<\/p>\n
Inside the MCG, though, it was hard to argue with the energy. As soon as The Next Episode kicked off, 100,000 people were on their feet. By the time he dropped Gin and Juice and Who Am I? (What\u2019s My Name?), the stadium felt like a massive party. Add in the local talent, and the AFL had a performance that people will be talking about for years.<\/p>\n
For many fans, this was one of those \u201cwhere were you when\u201d moments. You don\u2019t expect to see Snoop Dogg at the Grand Final. And when you did, it was unforgettable.<\/p>\n
So, was it the right call? That depends on what you value more: the spectacle or the statement.<\/p>\n
If you wanted a safe, patriotic performance with a classic Aussie rocker belting out Its A Long Way To The Top, then yeah, Snoop\u2019s set probably left you cold. If you wanted global star power, something that would make headlines and have fans buzzing, the AFL got it spot on.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s no denying the contradictions. The AFL wants to be seen as progressive and responsible, but also as bold and world-class. Booking Snoop Dogg gave them both attention and controversy. It was always going to. <\/p>\n
And in that sense, it worked exactly as planned.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s what Snoop rolled out on the day:<\/p>\n
The Next Episode (with Tash Sultana)
Nuthin\u2019 but a \u201cG\u201d Thang
Drop It Like It\u2019s Hot
Down 4 My Niggaz
Sweat
Signs
Beautiful (with Jessica Mauboy)
Still D.R.E. (with Baker Boy)
Gin and Juice
Who Am I? (What\u2019s My Name?) (with Tash Sultana)<\/p>\n
In the end, Snoop Dogg\u2019s Grand Final performance was exactly what the AFL wanted: unforgettable, headline-grabbing, and talked about just as much as the game itself. Whether you thought it was spectacular or a misstep probably says more about you than it does about Snoop.<\/p>\n
One thing\u2019s certain: love him or hate him, Snoop made history on that stage. And everyone\u2019s still talking about it.<\/p>\n
Watch the full performance here:<\/p>\n
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