Snoop Dogg talks up AFL ahead of grand final, promises to wow fans with ‘special guests’

Global superstar Snoop Dogg has declared he understands the importance of the AFL grand final to Australian culture, describing it as a part of our DNA, and says he was blown away by the offer to perform.

Snoop Dogg will be the headline act during Saturday’s pre-game entertainment at the MCG, which will be live and free on Seven and 7Plus from 10am on Saturday.

He has previously performed at the Super Bowl and Olympics, and spoke glowingly of the AFL during the event’s invite-only launch on Thursday.

“I know what this means to the culture. I’ve been coming to this country for years and understand what this game is and what it means,” Snoop Dogg said, donning a Death Row Records bomber jacket over a purple tracksuit.

“I know this is not just a sport. It is a way of life. I know it’s not just a team or a club. It is part of your DNA. So I understand what is at stake. I’m here to do my part and bring what I bring to the table.

“These are dreams come true for me. I was a kid and had dreams of getting to meet athletes. Now I’m actually getting to perform for the biggest sporting events in the world so this is a dream come true.

“It’s inspiration and motivation for the next that comes behind me and is dreaming, that’s hoping and wishing. It can actually happen because it’s happening for me it can happen for you.

“I am so honoured to be able to do this. This is huge for me. I would never think y’all would want me to do something like this. I am truly honoured.”

The Drop It Like It’s Hot and Young, Wild & Free hitmaker confirmed it was the “first time ever” he will attend an AFL match but he was expecting “the crowd to be crazy”.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon and Telstra’s Alita McMenamin presented Snoop Dogg - real name Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr - with a Brisbane jumper that had Snoop on the back and a Geelong guernsey emblazoned with the name Dogg.

Ever the showman, he refused to give a tip but promised to give fans several surprises during his performance, which he said will be “classic Snoop Dogg”.

“I have some special guests who will be performing with me to make it feel like it’s supposed to feel,” he said.

“It’s always been a warm welcome for me and I want to let everybody know that I appreciate you all for allowing me to perform. That’s why I want to share the stage with a couple of family members.”

Tash Sultana will form part of Snoop Dogg’s band, while local support acts including Baker Boy, who performed at the 2021 grand final in Perth, will return to the stage.

Australian singer-songwriter Vera Blue will perform a dazzling rendition of the national anthem acapella while the iconic Mike Brady will belt out Up There Cazaly as part of the retirees lap of honour.

“I think I’ve done about 26 or 27 (grand finals) but the first one I did was 46 years ago,” Brady said.

There was a mixed reaction when the AFL announced Snoop Dogg as the entertainment given many of his songs have offensive lyrics and he created a stir with comments about same sex families last month.

The AFL declined to put Snoop Dogg up for an all-in media conference this week, like previous entertainers Katy Perry and Robbie Williams have done.

But Dillon said the league, who forked out millions of dollars to secure the global star, already knew what songs Snoop Dogg would perform He remained tight-lipped about the setlist.

He said the way the 53-year-old has embraced and promoted the AFL since being signed had him extremely confident and excited about what fans would see on grand final day.

“I’ve been really confident with the choice of Snoop,” Dillon said.

“He’s performed at the Olympics. He’s performed at the Super Bowl. I think the AFL grand final, he will suit that stage. I’ve always been confident he will put on a show. I’m even more confident now.

“I know what songs he is going to play and I think they’ll be more than suitable for a family friendly audience.”

Snoop Dogg touched down Melbourne earlier this week, enjoying a kick-to-kick on the MCG with Collingwood stars Nick and Josh Daicos on Tuesday.

His dancers were spotted rehearsing on a replica stage at Marvel Stadium on Wednesday, while he’s also booked in for DJ sets across the weekend in a jam-packed schedule.

Such is the momentum behind Snoop Dogg’s role in the AFL decider on Saturday, he has had his own merchandise and footy cards made, which he posted to his 88.6 million followers on Instagram.