Snoop Dogg hailed as 'King of Rap' after AFL Grand Final pre-game show at the MCG

American rapper Snoop Dogg delivered a high-profile nine-song pre-game show at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, prompting praise from fans who labeled it among the AFL Grand Final's strongest entertainment moments. Dressed in a crisp white tracksuit bearing his name, Snoop opened with a signature hit and quickly moved through a sequence of crowd-pleasing staples and surprises while a large, Super Bowl–style marching band and dancers drove the energy. The pre-game routine featured Baker Boy, the Melbourne-born rapper who performed as an opening act, and an on-field homage to AFL tradition with Mike Brady's Up There Cazaly.

Set highlights included a high-energy stretch of rap classics and cross-genre collaborations. The nine-song sequence began with The Next Episode, then moved into Nothing But A G Thang, followed by Drop It Like It’s Hot, Sweat, and Signs. Jessica Mauboy joined Snoop for a rendition of Beautiful, a moment that bridged pop and R&B with a stadium backdrop of synchronized lighting. Baker Boy then returned for Still D.R.E and Gin and Juice, culminating in a pyrotechnic finale as Snoop wrapped the show with Who Am I (What’s My Name).

Reaction online was polarized but leaned positive, with fans praising the production quality and energy, while some viewers questioned whether the Grand Final should feature a rap icon from the U.S. entertainment scene. The AFL's decision to hire Snoop Dogg became a hot topic in the lead-up, including discussion about the reported two-million-dollar price tag. AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon defended the choice, saying the league engaged Snoop Dogg as the person he is today and emphasizing his status as a global entertainer who has performed at events like the Super Bowl and the Olympic closing ceremony. Dillon said the league would not vouch for every lyric and stressed that the performance was designed to fit the event.

Contemporary criticism also intersected with broader debates about Snoop's past remarks on same-sex relationships. The pre-game conversation intensified as the league faced scrutiny over Izak Rankine's four-match ban for a homophobic slur earlier in the season, prompting questions about consistency in its tolerance policies. Despite the controversy, the league and Snoop have maintained that his public image has evolved and that his Grand Final appearance reflects his role as a global entertainer.

On the ground in Melbourne, Snoop's visit included a playful interaction with AFL stars Nick and Josh Daicos, who met him for a kickabout at the MCG. Video posted by the AFL shows the rapper lining up a shot from roughly 35 metres, kicking the ball cleanly through the center as the Daicos brothers looked on, then celebrating with the line that he had just kicked six points.

Whether the performance will be remembered as the best AFL Grand Final entertainment remains a topic for debate, but it underscored the blend of sport and pop culture that defines the event in 2025. The show demonstrated the league's willingness to push cultural boundaries and highlighted Snoop Dogg's enduring appeal at major global stages. The broader reception from fans and critics ensures the moment will be part of the ongoing conversation about how the AFL frames its grand final as not only a sporting culmination but also a cultural event.