Fans Protest Lack Of Aussie Performers At AFL GF

Aussie fans are outraged following yesterday's news that international acts Bryan Adams, Ellie Goulding and Chris Issak will be headlining the AFL grand final's pre-game show, due to the fact that no national acts will be performing at one of the country's most popular sporting events. 

While the AFL have a history of nominating hugely successful overseas talent such as last year's pairing of Ed Sheeran and Tom Jones, not to mention this year's Brownlow Medal ceremony which will also feature a performance from UK singer James Blunt, it seems fans have finally had enough and a petition has been launched calling for more local bands to take to the stage at the MCG on 3 October. 

The new Change.org petition is fighting to get support behind popular Aussie acts such as King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Pond and Bad//Dreems in favour of the international stars, because, as the petition reads, "they are trying to make it something that it is not, it's not the NFL half time show and never will be."

The petition continues, "We have a bunch of world class rad bands in this country that have been brought up with the love of footy."

"Bands such as Pond, King Gizzard and Lizard Wizard and Bad Dreems have been independently touring the world honing their craft and captivating fans across the globe. THESE are the perfect Australian bands to fire up the ‘G’ before 2015 Granny and deserve more than anyone the chance to perform on the grandest stage of them all."

Interestingly, as SMH reports, AFL chief Gillon McLachlan revealed the artist's chosen were suggestions made within the family. 

"I spoke to my daughters. They chose Ellie Goulding," McLachlan said.

"Bryan Adams' Summer of 69 is a personal favourite. They're both big international artists. They cater for a broad audience that is the Grand Final audience and we're lucky to have them. It'll be a great day."

Meanwhile, AFL's rival sporting code in rugby league's NRL, have already confirmed that Aussie legends Cold Chisel will headline its own grand final on 4 October.

To sign your name on the petition, click here.