World Footy News

If pre-match entertainment on Grand Final day is your thing, then you will be glad to hear the AFL has secured the world renown band INXS as it's headline musical act. We do expect however that there may be some coverage around the world that will not show this.

AFL General Manager Commercial Operations Darren Birch, said INXS is a band whose local and international success spans many decades and the AFL is thrilled to have such an iconic act involved in the grand final.

With a career spanning 25 years, INXS is undoubtedly one of the world's great bands. With more than 30 million records sold worldwide, countless awards from their peers and fans, platinum certifications, and a history peppered with outstanding achievements, the band are arguably Australia's most successful rock export. “INXS is a giant of the music industry, so it is apt they will headline Australian football’s biggest day in front of a crowd of supporters young and old. “Our thanks must go to Carlton Draught for bringing INXS to the last Saturday in September,” Mr Birch said.

Group Marketing Manager for Carlton brands Vincent Ruiu said securing INXS complements the great Australian tradition of grand final day. “Just like Carlton Draught, INXS is a classic Aussie icon. Carlton Draught has been supporting Australian football for over 100 years and we’re pleased to bring fans more action on Grand Final day by lining up a unique INXS performance,” commented Mr Ruiu.

CM Murphy and INXS have re-united and are currently working together on an album that will re-catapult those incredible INXS songs from the last 25 years and re-touch the old and excite the new and undiscovered fans of INXS. The album (yet to be titled) is due for release in November this year.

In the meantime the band has released a CD titled INXS Platinum; the first time a CD of INXS Greatest Hits has been available in Australia for over two years. Leading Australian music entrepreneur Michael Gudinski will again be involved in coordinating the music elements of the pre-grand final entertainment.


“Following the fantastic reaction to last year’s stage set in the crowd, it's a pleasure to have INXS at Australia's greatest sporting even in the same stage format.


“It's a very difficult event to perform at given the different age groups attending, so to have an act like INXS playing their well known hits is a terrific outcome and what the crowd will want to hear,” said Mr. Gudinski


INXS will perform post-match entertainment at Centre Square, the corporate hospitality village located in Birrarung Marr.


Mr Birch said Centre Square would provide the very best corporate hospitality on grand final day. The Birrarung Marr location will be the ideal place to entertain friends and guests before and after the main event.


“Centre Square is a collaborative project with the AFL and clubs working together to deliver an enhanced Grand Final experience. It continues to be one of the highlights of Toyota AFL Grand Final Week,” he said.