Footy fans lash ‘political’ pre-game entertainment at AFL Grand Final after Indigenous performer wears ‘Vote Yes’ shirt while singing Aussie classic

Furious No voters for the Voice referendum have lashed the AFL’s pre-game entertainment after one of the performers promoted the Yes vote in their performance. 

The AFL commission had previously ruled out promoting the Yes campaign for the  Indigenous Voice to parliament referendum.

Whille American rockers KISS were the stars of the pre-game entertainment, igniting the MCG with an electric set that defied their age, it was one of the lead-up acts that angered footy fans. 

A new generation joined the KISS Army in a spectacle that came close to topping Robbie Williams’ performance from last year.

Two Australian Indigenous performers used their platform to promote the Yes vote anyway, angering many footy fans in the process. 

The pre-match entertainment started with Australia’s leading didgeridoo player William Barton along with Melbourne-based Indigenous singer-songwriter Jess Hitchcock who performed a rendition of Waltzing Matilda.

‘Here to perform a unique rendition of the original bush ballad ‘Waltzing Matilda’, please welcome ARIA award winner William Barton joined by Jessica Hitchcock,’ the commentator said in welcoming them.

Barton began the rendition with his trademark didgeridoo playing, saying: ‘It’s about the passing of the culture from generation to generation around the camp fire. We watch, listen and learn and share the mother country together.’

While the crowd at the MCG delivered warm applause for their performance, several fans took to social media to vent their disapproval because Hitchcock was wearing a ‘Vote Yes’ shirt in support of the Voice to Parliament referendum.

Barton and Hitchock perform Waltzing Matilda, with the singer wearing a skirt promoting the Yes campaign 

‘Why do you need to make the AFL Political! Get the vote yes shirt off. This is a sport, not a Parliament House! AFL needs to stop being so woke,’ one fan posted.

‘Awful rendition of a classic,’ added another.

‘Why has the AFL allowed politics into the ceremony by having Yes logos on singers. If you allow yes then you need to allow #VoteNo as well,’ posted another.

While some fans slammed the performances, others were quick to praise them.

Jess Hitchcock and Mike Brady speak to fans during an AFL Grand Final media opportunity at the MCG on Thursday

Mike Brady performs his classic Up There Cazaly during the 2023 AFL Grand Final Parade on Friday

‘Jess Hitchcock bloody brilliant at the G, awesome rendition of a great song,’ posted.

‘Shout out to Jess Hitchcock for the Yes dress,’ added another.

The fans were much more welcoming of Mike Brady, who performed next with his iconic footy classic Up There Cazaly, which also included a touching reference to Ron Barassi who passed on September 16.

‘Back to normalcy. A great rendition of Up There, Cazaly,’ one fan posted.

‘The AFL is absolutely gonna use a hologram of Mike Grady after he dies,’

The main act was KISS, with the ageing rockers delivering a captivating performance of their classics including Rock And Roll All Nite and Shout It Out Loud.

‘Brilliant. Robbie Williams last year & KISS this year. The AFL has set a precedent they cant & shouldnt back away from,’ one fan posted.

‘Just goes to show, you’re only as old as you choose to be,’ added another.

‘Huge credit needs to go to Gil McLachlan and Matt Gudinski for not only getting KISS to perform at the #AFLGF, but for putting together a showcase that looked unreal on TV, and I’m sure was the same in person at the ground,’ said another.