What’s wrong with this picture? Big names from sport and politics flock to the AFL grand final breakfast – but one major sponsor WON’T be happy with what’s being served up
- AFL Grand Final Breakfast staged at Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
- PM Anthony Albanese attended, joined by the Opposition Leader Peter Dutton
- Sporting identities included AFL legends Jonathan Brown and Cameron Mooney
- Drinkwise were the major sponsor, beer bottle was spotted at the morning event
A number of heralded names from Australian sport and politics made their way to the official AFL Grand Final breakfast on Saturday in Melbourne – but the major sponsor of the event will be cringing at one image which has the potential to go viral online.
Australian safer drinking culture advocates DrinkWise sponsored the sold-out function – which started at 8am and cost $250 per ticket – and it didn’t take long for a faux pas to emerge from the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Former Kangaroos coach Dani Laidley arrives at the 2022 North Melbourne Grand Final Breakfast – and a beer bottle can clearly be seen on the table at the event sponsored by Drinkwise (pictured right)
When former North Melbourne Kangaroos coach Dani Laidley walked into the room, a beer bottle could clearly be seen on a table behind her.
Given the event was a breakfast and alcohol was being consumed prior to 10am, it wasn’t the type of image DrinkWise would want their brand associated with.
A-listers in attendance included AFL legends Jonathan Brown, Jarryd Roughead and Cameron Mooney as well as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had the cheek to call out AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan, who at the Brownlow Medal last Sunday struggled to pronounce the surname of Melbourne Demons star Christian Petracca
Albanese later acknowledged Gill McLachlan’s tenure in charge of the AFL, having succeeded Andrew Demetriou in the top job in 2014
Albanese left the room in stitches when he playfully chipped AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan, who at the Brownlow Medal last Sunday struggled to pronounce the surname of Melbourne Demons star Christian Petracca.
‘I’d like to congratulate Gill on an outstanding career in the AFL,’ the PM said of the departing footy boss.
‘[However] I understand from Christian Petracca you have a few problems with Italian surnames.’
Albanese wasn’t finished yet, calling out the now departed Morrison government’s immigration policy.
He compared it to the AFL parade on the Yarra River on Friday, which attracted plenty of criticism from footy fans.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also attended the function at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre
The PM made it very clear he is siding with the Swans ahead of the Grand Final versus the Cats
Media identity and former Collingwood president Eddie Maguire was another A-lister in attendance
‘To Gill, I would say having watched the parade on the Yarra yesterday [Friday] to quote a former prime minister: ‘We do need to stop the boats’,’ Albanese said.
The tongue in cheek remark was met with roars of laughter – and even opposition leader Dutton was spotted cracking a smile at the jibe.
Albanese then had another dig at Morrison, referencing how the former PM secretly swore himself into several portfolios when the leader of Australia.
‘I’m really worried that when I was away last week in London, Richard Marles was the acting prime minister, so I’m worried he has sworn himself in as the minister to the Cats and approved yet another renovation of Kardinia Park,’ he joked.
St Kilda great turned Fox Footy commentator Nick Riewoldt interviewed McLachlan about his time in charge of the code, which commenced in 2014 when he succeeded Andrew Demetriou – having previously served as his deputy.
Guests were entertained by Aussie rock legend Diesel, with comedian Nick Cody providing the laughs.
The AFL Grand Final between Geelong and Sydney at the MCG starts at 2.30pm.
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