Why Lions lead race for Draper; Rap legend on ‘radar’ for AFL grand final; Zorko fined

In today’s AFL Briefing, your daily wrap of footy news:

• Crows commit to O’Brien, leaving Lions favourite to nab Bomber Draper.
• Snoop Dogg being sniffed out for AFL grand final.
• Lions playmaker Dayne Zorko fined for insulting officials.

Adelaide ruckman Reilly O’Brien has re-signed with the Crows for a further three years, leaving Brisbane in the box seat to snare star Essendon big man Sam Draper.

Reilly O’Brien with Adelaide veteran Taylor Walker.Credit: AFL Photos

O’Brien was set to become an unrestricted free agent at season’s end, and contract negotiations with Adelaide stalled earlier this year after he was reportedly only offered a two-year extension.

Further complicating matters was the fact Adelaide were in the hunt to sign Draper, who hails from South Australia.

Draper, who is sidelined with an Achilles tendon injury, is an unrestricted free agent and is weighing up his options.

Brisbane are now considered the frontrunners to land the 26-year-old on what’s believed to be a five-year deal.

Out-of-contract Essendon ruckman Sam Draper.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images

Essendon are believed to have a four-year deal on the table for Draper, with a trigger for a fifth year.

O’Brien has enjoyed one of his best seasons of his 10-year career and currently leads the AFL in total hitouts (700) this season.

The 29-year-old is averaging 38.9 hitouts per game in 2025, and has played a key role in helping Adelaide (13-5) surge into third spot.

O’Brien again looms as a key figure in Saturday night’s Showdown against Port Adelaide.

“Adelaide has become my home over the past 10, 11 years and I couldn’t see myself anywhere else,” O’Brien said.

A four-match winning streak has left the Crows just a win off top spot. After taking on the Power this weekend, the Crows will end their home-and-away campaign with games against Hawthorn (home), West Coast (away), Collingwood (home) and North Melbourne (away).
AAP

AFL sniffing around Dogg for grand final day

Jon Pierik

American rapper Snoop Dogg is on the AFL’s radar to headline the pre-game entertainment at the men’s grand final in September.

The AFL has approached hip hop great Snoop Dogg to headline the pre-game AFL grand final entertainment in September. Credit: Wolter Peeters

The AFL and the Mushroom Group are working to bring the famous hip-hop and gangsta rap artist, songwriter and actor to town, the league keen to again make a splash on the biggest day of its calendar.

AFL spokesman Jay Allen said on Friday Snoop Dogg, 53, was on the league’s “radar”, but confirmation had yet to be given.

“The pre-game entertainment at the AFL grand final is always a talking point, and we’re hoping to make an announcement shortly,” Allen said.

“We are excited to deliver another world-class show in front of 100,000 fans at the ’G and the millions more watching the broadcast ahead of the biggest game of the season.”

Snoop Dogg’s manager and wife, Shante Broadus, was contacted for comment.

There is speculation in the music industry that Snoop Dogg will perform with fellow rappers Dr Dre and Ice Cube in the Philippines two days before the grand final on September 27, giving him time to make the eight-hour flight to Melbourne. He last toured Australia in March 2023.

Should he accept the league’s offer, Snoop Dogg would join a recent list of world-class entertainers to headline the pre-game grand final entertainment.

Katy Perry was the frontline entertainer last year, while KISS performed in 2023 and Robbie Williams in 2022.

The AFL bypassed discussions on how much it would cost to lure Snoop Dogg here.

The cost of getting Perry to the MCG was originally rumoured to be $5 million, but it was later reported by this masthead to be closer to $3 million, according to informed sources. Her performance reached more than six million people, with an average TV audience of more than four million.

Allen said the Mushroom Group would produce this year’s show, as it did for with Perry, Williams and others.

Snoop Dogg was a prominent figure at the Paris Olympics last year, where he was a special correspondent for NBC’s coverage, while also attending several events and supporting the US athletes. He had a front-row seat at the equestrian team dressage event, sitting with best friend Martha Stewart.

In 2022, Snoop Dogg appeared at the Super Bowl half-time show in Inglewood, California, wowing the crowd in a stunning hip-hop performance with Dr Dre, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, and Eminem.

Zorko whacked with $3000 fine for ‘insulting’ language directed at umpires

Scott Spits

Brisbane Lions veteran Dayne Zorko has been hit with a $3000 fine for “insulting” and “profane” language directed at AFL officials on the interchange during last week’s thrilling win over the Western Bulldogs.

Dayne Zorko in action last week against the Bulldogs.Credit: AFL Photos

In handing down the fine, the AFL said it had zero tolerance for abusive or insulting conduct towards umpires.

The league said Zorko’s behaviour happened during the final quarter at the Gabba when the 36-year-old Lion was leaving the field during the final quarter.

“The AFL reminds all players that the AFL has no tolerance for abusive or insulting conduct towards AFL umpires and other match officials,” the league said in a statement.

In 2022, Zorko apologised the day after a game against Melbourne, admitting he made an “over the top” comment towards Demon Harrison Petty that was related to a member of Petty’s family.

“I have apologised to Harrison for the inappropriate comment I made to him last night,” Zorko said in a statement issued by the Lions the following day.

“I’m remorseful for my actions and take full responsibility for the hurt caused to Harrison, his family and the Melbourne Football Club.

“In reflection, I understand I need to be a better leader, and have spoken with the club who have reinforced this.”

Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.