Temper Trap, Paul Kelly Lead Revamped AFL Grand Final

4 September 2012 | 5:02 am | Scott Fitzsimons

Fans will be allowed onto the pitch following the game for a concert

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The Temper Trap, Paul Kelly and Tim Rogers have been announced as the main attractions of this year's AFL Grand Final, in a revamped show that will do away with international artists and introduce a post-game on-ground concert.

Alongside Australian Rules football legends and other pre-game festivities, Paul Kelly will headline the pre-game entertainment with Tim Rogers, the You Am I frontman having starred in and curated/composer ads for the AFL throughout the last two seasons.

The Temper Trap will then appear at half-time in the Michael Gudinski-curated festivities, before returning with Paul Kelly for the post-game 'Premiership Party' at 6pm. The event will have free entry and will act as the lead-up to a special presentation of the Grand Final winners to the crowd, unlike in previous years where the winning team celebrate at a private function following the game.

Gudinski, a famous St Kilda supporter and Mushroom Group Chairman said today, “It's great to have an all Australian line-up at this year's Grand Final. Melbourne has some of the greatest music bands in the world and The Temper Trap have proven themselves to be one of our best exports with world-wide recognition.

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With the addition of Paul Kelly, one of Australia's finest singer songwriters, and Tim Rogers, these acts are set to rock Australia's greatest game.”

The Temper Trap issued a combined statement today saying, “As a band that was formed in Melbourne we know first-hand of the passion and history that is the AFL Grand Final. We are thrilled to have been invited to perform this year, it is a real honour. We have played some of the biggest festivals around the world, but playing live at the MCG in front of a Grand Final crowd is sure to be one of our most exciting performances yet.”

AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou said that he hoped, “The format changes to the pre-match entertainment, the introduction of a halftime show and the post-match celebration event all enable fans to take part in Grand Final day like never before.”

He added, “For the first time ever fans will have the chance to be at the home of football immediately after the biggest game of the year, regardless of whether you have a Grand Final ticket or not.”

Last year's entertainment featured Meat Loaf, which got ugly after the singer attacked AFL bosses and critics of his performances following the event.