Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has criticized Australia’s major football leagues, the Australian Football League (AFL) and the National Rugby League (NRL), for prioritizing American artists over Australian talent in their grand final entertainment lineups. The Greens senator voiced her concerns via social media, arguing that these high-profile sporting events should support the struggling Australian music industry by showcasing homegrown performers.
Hanson-Young’s criticism comes on the heels of recent announcements by both the NRL and AFL regarding their grand final entertainment. The NRL has announced that American artist Teddy Swims will headline the entertainment for the 2025 Grand Final Day, scheduled for October 5th at Accor Stadium in Sydney. This follows the AFL’s earlier announcement that Snoop Dogg will be the headline act for their Grand Final, set to take place on September 27th at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The senator expressed her disappointment, stating, “Another day, another iconic Aussie sport shipping in an international artist and ignoring our homegrown talent.” She further emphasized the importance of supporting Australian artists, particularly in light of the challenges they face in the current music landscape. She believes that cultural institutions like the AFL and NRL grand finals have a responsibility to back Australian talent, especially when the local music industry is facing difficulties competing in a streaming-dominated market.
Hanson-Young has previously voiced her concerns about the AFL’s decision to book Snoop Dogg, referring to him as a “slur merchant” and questioning the league’s decision to spend millions on international talent instead of investing in Australian artists. She argued that Australian artists are struggling to gain visibility in a streaming environment where they are competing with a vast catalog of songs and the dominance of major label signings from the US and UK.
While past AFL Grand Final headliners have included international acts such as Ed Sheeran, Sting, The Killers, and Lionel Richie, as well as Australian artists like Powderfinger, the senator believes that prioritizing local talent is crucial for the long-term health of the Australian music industry. The NRL has also featured a mix of domestic and international artists in the past, including The Kid LAROI, Amy Shark, Gang of Youths, Jessica Mauboy, Good Charlotte, and Tina Turner.
