AFL backs Snoop Dogg Grand Final pregame show amid Rankine ban

The AFL is standing by its decision to have Snoop Dogg headline the Grand Final pregame show, even as a four-game ban issued to Adelaide Crows forward Izak Rankine for a homophobic slur has sharpened scrutiny of the league’s handling of social issues and high-profile entertainment. The decision to book the US rapper for the Telstra PreGame Entertainment at the MCG on September 27 has drawn praise from some industry leaders and criticism from opponents of his past remarks, heightening questions about where sport’s pageantry ends and societal accountability begins.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon defended the choice in the wake of Rankine’s suspension, saying the league cannot vouch for every lyric ever written or performed by any artist who appears on stage. He emphasized that the event will be family-friendly and aligned with the audience at the MCG and on broadcast. “We engaged Snoop Dogg in 2025 as the person he is today,” Dillon said, adding that the artist has publicly addressed past remarks, is now a grandfather and philanthropist, and has a record of global appearances at major events. He stressed that the entertainment would reflect the best sporting event in the country.