American rap legend Snoop Dogg has professed his admiration for Australian Rules football, declaring he is “in love” with the sport ahead of his performance at the Australian Football League (AFL) grand final on Saturday.
The 53-year-old artist will headline entertainment at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where up to 100,000 fans are expected as Geelong take on Brisbane in the championship clash.
Speaking at a media function on Thursday, where questions were not permitted, Snoop Dogg reflected on his long-standing connection with Australia and his growing appreciation for AFL.
“I’ve been coming to this country for years and I understand what this game is and what it means,” he said. “I know that it’s not just a sport, it’s a way of life. I just fell in love with the sport.”
He admitted that while he had watched AFL in the past without fully grasping the rules, his understanding has deepened over time. “It reminded me of American football, rugby and a couple of other things, but now that I understand it, I like it and want to know more about it before the grand finale,” he added.
AFL, often likened to Ireland’s Gaelic football, traces its roots back to 1858 and remains Australia’s most popular spectator sport.
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Snoop Dogg’s selection as the grand final entertainer has, however, stirred controversy.
Critics pointed to his history of using misogynistic and offensive lyrics, calling the move hypocritical after the AFL recently suspended Adelaide star Izak Rankine for four games over a homophobic slur.
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon defended the decision, insisting the rapper’s global stature made him a fitting choice for the occasion. “I’ve been really confident with the choice of Snoop,” Dillon said. “He’s performed at the Olympics, he’s performed at a Super Bowl, and he’ll suit our stage.”
Despite the criticism, anticipation is building for Saturday’s spectacle, where music and sport will collide before a massive live audience and millions watching worldwide.