Snoop Dogg to Bring West Coast Heat to Australia’s AFL Grand Final Stage

Snoop Dogg will headline the pre-game entertainment at the 2025 AFL Grand Final on Sept. 27 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. 

The AFL has locked in one of hip-hop’s most recognizable voices for its biggest day, announcing Snoop Dogg as the headline act for the Telstra pre-game entertainment at the 2025 Toyota AFL Grand Final on Sept. 27 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The Australian Football League — founded in 1897 as the Victorian Football League and rebranded in 1990 — is the premier competition in Australian rules football, with its Grand Final regularly drawing over 100,000 fans in person and millions more watching nationally.

Snoop Dogg’s Biggest Sports & Entertainment Hosting Moments

• Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show (2022) — Performed alongside Dr. Dre, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, and 50 Cent in a set hailed as one of the NFL’s most memorable shows.
• WrestleMania 32 (2016) — Took the mic at AT&T Stadium, performed live, and was inducted into WWE’s Hall of Fame celebrity wing.
• NBA All-Star Weekend Appearances — Provided live performances and fan engagement at multiple NBA events, bringing music to the heart of the sport.
• NHL Stadium Series & Charity Games — Delivered high-energy sets at major hockey events, blending his West Coast style with global sports culture.
• American Song Contest (2022) — Co-hosted NBC’s music competition with Kelly Clarkson, showcasing his live-event charisma.

For Snoop, it will be his first-ever performance at the MCG and his highest-profile Australian sporting event appearance to date. The West Coast rap legend, who rose to fame on Dr. Dre’s 1992 album "The Chronic" before releasing his multi-platinum debut "Doggystyle," has delivered three decades of chart-topping tracks, including “Gin and Juice,” “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “Young, Wild & Free.”

“It’s an absolute honor to be hitting the stage at the AFL Grand Final — it’s one of the biggest events on the Aussie calendar,” Snoop said in a statement released by the league. “Can’t wait to bring the energy and celebrate with the fans. Let’s make it unforgettable.”

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said the addition of Snoop reflects the league’s push to make Grand Final day a cultural event as well as a sporting one. “Snoop Dogg is a pioneer, a performer, and a true entertainer,” Dillon said. “He’s played to packed stadiums around the world — but we think 100,000 fans at the MCG might just be his most iconic crowd yet.”

The AFL has a recent track record of bringing in global headliners for Grand Final entertainment, including Katy Perry, Robbie Williams, and The Killers. This year’s show will again be produced by the Mushroom Group, whose CEO Matt Gudinski promised “an unforgettable spectacle” and hinted at more Australian artists joining the bill.

Snoop’s relationship with Australia has had its twists. In 2007, he was denied a visa over past convictions in the United States, but the ban was lifted in 2008, allowing him to tour the country multiple times since. His most recent visit was part of a sold-out 2023 arena run.

Telstra executive Brent Smart said the company is “thrilled” to host the pre-game entertainment for the fifth straight year. “We’re passionate about delivering unforgettable experiences for fans. We’re confident Snoop Dogg will make this year’s celebration one to remember.”

The pre-game show will take place roughly an hour before the 2:30 p.m. bounce, following the traditional motorcade of coaches and players from the competing teams. Additional performers for the 2025 AFL Grand Final are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.