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AFL grand final live: Brisbane Lions and Geelong Cats battle for footy’s ultimate prize

Headshot of Jake Santa Maria
Jake Santa Maria
The Nightly
Lachie Neale of the Lions celebrates a goal.
Lachie Neale of the Lions celebrates a goal. Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

Brisbane and Geelong are no strangers to the final Saturday of September as the Lions and Cats square off for the AFL’s ultimate prize.

The Lions have made the first potentially game-defining decision of the day with superstar Laahie Neale set to start on the bench after his remarkable return from a calf injury.

Geelong have brought in Rhys Stanley to replace Tom Stewart with the winner today likely goes down as the best team of the current era.

Follow all the action from the MCG live!

Closes out with Gin & Juice

Mauboy dancing with Tash Sultana on the guitar as Snoop finishes off with one of his biggest tracks.

Big cheers as he finishes up his set and that was terrific, it must be said.

One of the better grand final performances with the Mauboy collab probably the highlight.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Snoop Dogg performs during the AFL Grand Final match between Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 27, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Snoop Dogg performs during the AFL Grand Final match between Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 27, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images) Credit: Getty Images

A big cheer and surprise as Jessica Mauboy pops up from under the stage

A big shout-out from Snoop as they break into their hit Beautiful.

The crowd clapping their hands and big cheers for the pair as they share a hug.

Baker Boy is back on the didgeridoo to provide a unique version of Still Dre.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Snoop Dogg performs during the AFL Grand Final match between Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 27, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Snoop Dogg performs during the AFL Grand Final match between Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 27, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images) Credit: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Into the dance tracks

He leaves the rap heavy behind to break into the more dance heavy track Sweat he did with David Guetta.

Tash Sultana returns to riff the chorus.

Then it’s into his track Signs he did with JT.

He’s into Nothin but a G Thang, appropriate for the G.

The brass band from earlier is on the stage with dancers perofrming on steps at the front of the stage.

And here’s Drop It Like It’s Hot. Breaking out in the iconic dance.

It must be said the swear words are being cut out but the weed references are all good it seems.

Here’s Snoop

He starts out with a video message calling for fans to cheer with marching bands playing out parts of their club songs.

He walks with tunnel in a white tracksuit and cracks open with The Next Episode.

Tash Sultana breaks out a riff on the guitar.

Mike Brady time

A grand final tradition at this point.

Some early wobbles as he yells out for the backing track to be turned up.

Warmly received, plenty of the crowd joining in the chorus.

Big cheers and a smile from everyone. Good stuff now it’s time for the Dogg.

Laps of honour

Jeremy McGovern gets a lap with his kids while there are massive cheers for Mitch Duncan and Gary Rohan.

Boos for umpires and weirdly Murphy Reid as the Rising star.

Entertainment begins

Baker Boy is up first to kick off before Snoop Dog performs his hit Thick Skin on the boundary line.

He’s backed up five female singers and fireworks.

There’s plenty of energy and Baker Boy even breaks out into a didgeridoo solo, which is definitely the highlight.

Good stuff.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Baker Boy and Choir featuring Emma Donovan & Kee’ahn perform prior to the AFL Grand Final match between Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 27, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Baker Boy and Choir featuring Emma Donovan & Kee’ahn perform prior to the AFL Grand Final match between Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 27, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/AFL Photos/via Getty Images) Credit: via Getty Images

Subs confirmed

Lachie Neale for the Lions and Jack Martin for the Cats which is something of a surprise.

Chris Scott reveals key match-up

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