The pre-match entertainment at Optus Stadium was more extreme than usual and it didn’t take long for punters to unload with gags.
It’s a talking point every year and footy fans were quick to react to this year’s pre-match entertainment before the AFL Grand Final in Perth — widely hailed as one of the best experiences in recent memory.
Mike Brady performed his iconic football song Up There Cazaly — virtually — as footage of him singing and playing guitar on the deserted streets of Melbourne was beamed into Optus Stadium and lounge rooms around the country.
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There were plenty of jokes about the start to the entertainment as fans made reference to Covid restrictions and the recent protests in Melbourne.
In response to Brady not wearing a mask, comedian Peter Helliar tweeted: “Fun fact: Mike Brady was fined $5,000 for that performance.”
Sportsbet said: “Mike Brady hasn’t check in with one QR code yet.”
Scott Dooley tweeted: “Fun fact: Mike Brady was rolled for his guitar at Flinders St Station.”
Aussie athletics commentator David Culbert wrote: “Mike Brady in an empty Melbourne. So sad.”
Others in the Victorian capital were also sad because it reminded them of what they were missing after the Grand Final was moved elsewhere in Australia for the second straight year.
Journalist Brianna Travers added: “Mike Brady and an empty Melbourne making me saaaaaaad.”
Radio announcer Dave Higgins said: “Mike Brady reminding us that our state had been destroyed by Covid. Rad.”
Baker Boy was up soon after and received a hugely positive response. But just as you’d expect, there were also plenty of gags.
Writer Cameron Williams tweeted: “Loving the Rock Eisteddfod vibes of this AFL Grand Final pre-game entertainment.”
Chris Bartlett wrote: “Hope the footy’s better than the lip-synching.”
James Newburrie added: “In the 1990s I wore overalls like that.”
John Butler was on point with Ocean, then started busting out a cover of Great Southern Land before local crew Eskimo Joe took the stage. It’s been a while since Australia has seen the band in full flight, as punters on social media pointed out.
Former cricket writer Brydon Coverdale tweeted: “Wow Eskimo Joe! I’m really looking forward to this 2006 grand final.”
Benjamin Millar said the band was looking “mature”.
TAB tweeted: “John Butler into Eskimo Joe. It’s like listening to So Fresh Hits of Summer 2005.”
Butler and Eskimo Joe then combined for a rendition of Men at Work’s Down Under to finish on an awesome note.
Yes, comedians had plenty to say on social media but it was impossible not to admit Perth absolutely nailed its pre-match entertainment. With performances like this, Melbourne might be worried about losing the Grand Final to the west more often.
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