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AFL fans divided after massive news about Katy Perry emerges for grand final entertainment

The AFL is said to be finalising a multimillion-dollar deal to get the pop mega-star to Australia.

sam goodwin
Sports Editor
·4-min read

AFL fans have been left divided over the prospect of Katy Perry playing at this year's grand final, with reports the league is finalising a deal to get the pop mega-star to Australia. The AFL always draws a massive name to perform on grand final day, with KISS playing last year and Robbie Williams in 2022.

And reports emerged on Wednesday that the league is 'close' to getting Perry over the line. Leading journalist Jay Clark is reporting the AFL is in "advanced stages of talks" with Perry and her management in what would be a multimillion-dollar deal.

Katy Perry, pictured here alongside Collingwood players Josh and Nick Daicos.
The AFL is reportedly on the cusp of getting Katy Perry to perform at the grand final. Image: Getty

Perry hasn't done a full tour of Australia since 2018, but famously performed with members of the Australian team after the Cricket World Cup final at the MCG in 2020. AFL spokesperson Jay Allen said the league would announce the entertainment for the grand final in coming weeks.

Katy Perry, pictured here after the Women's World Cup final at the MCG in 2020.
Katy Perry performed on stage with the Australian cricket team after the Women's World Cup final at the MCG in 2020. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

“In recent years the AFL grand final headline performances have been world class and we are excited to deliver another spectacular show ahead of the biggest game of the season,” Allen said. “We will be in a position to make an announcement on this year’s Telstra pre-game entertainment shortly.”

Speaking on Fox Footy on Wednesday night, Clark said Perry was “a brilliant selection”. Glenn McFarlane agreed, saying: “She’s a star, this’ll be awesome.”

KISS at the AFL grand final in 2023.
KISS were the headline act at the AFL grand final in 2023. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
Robbie Williams and Delta Goodrem at the 2022 grand final.
Robbie Williams performed alongside Delta Goodrem at the 2022 grand final. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Scott Gullan joked that former CEO Gillon McLachlan wouldn't be happy that successor Andrew Dillon has landed such a big fish, and also suggested the afternoon time-slot of the grand final might be a deterrent to some performers.

"Move with the times, we’re all aiming towards Taylor Swift, she loves Melbourne, loves the MCG," he said. "Taylor doesn’t want to start at 2 o’clock - she wants to start at 6. Let’s get it moving now, it’s an entertainment business, all the big finals are at night - come on. ButMcFarlane replied: “I’m not sure she (Swift) loves it that much.”

The news about Perry potentially playing at the grand final proved divisive on social media. While some loved the idea, others said AFL fans might not be the right demographic.

"AFL continually missing the boat," one person wrote." They go for superstars when the game itself is the show piece. They had the chance years ago for AC/DC. Didn’t. Listen to the fans. I don’t think people are screaming out for Katy Perry… Me personally, would love the Foo Fighters."

Another commented: "I like Katy Perry, but probably not the right pick for this….. The AFL have no idea who their audience is do they?!"

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However there was also plenty of support, with one person writing: "I still can’t get my head around the fact Katy Perry is going to perform AFL GF, the sport that I’ve being following since I was a child." Another said: "If the rumours are true Katy Perry and you're performing at the grand final I’m a huge AFL fan and I desperately need to be there please and thank you."