Gillon McLachlan roasts Melbourne celebs during pre-game speech

Sam Pang, Craig Hutchison, Tom Browne, Geoffrey Edelsten and Luke Sayers were all roasted by outgoing AFL boss Gillon McLachlan at the MCG on Friday.

Gillon McLachlan, Chief Executive Officer of the AFL roasted guests during his pre-match address on Friday night. Picture: Dylan Burns

Sam Pang, Craig Hutchison, Tom Browne, Geoffrey Edelsten, Luke Sayers .... no one was safe from Gillon McLachlan’s pre-match speech on Friday night at the MCG.

The outgoing AFL boss delivered more zingers than the previous night, starting with a roast of comedian and Logies host Pang, his long-time good natured sparring partner.

“The last time Carlton played in a final Buddy was a Hawk, Donald Trump was hosting The

Apprentice, Steve Smith had just made his maiden test century, GWS had won a total of three games, Essendon hadn’t won a final for nine years... Harry Sheezel was in grade three, the AFLW was a little more than WAFL mis-spelt, Jay Allen was a Carlton mascot, that’s a bit in house that one, Sam Pang was actually funny. I’ve said it before, we made you Sam.”

McLachlan also made a joke about the late controversial businessman Edelsten and the age difference with his former wife Brynne.

Sam Pang hosting the 2023 Logies. Picture: Channel 7

Then it was the SEN boss Hutchison’s turn as he reflected on Carlton’s season turnaround.

“The Blues thought it was another wasted year and supporters flooded talkback radio to vent their anger, some of you are here tonight,’’ McLachlan said.

“SEN loved it, Hutchy repackaged all the calls and turned them into individual podcast episodes with 10 different sponsors in each one.

“Hutchy is the only man I know who called me once for a private chat and then we had to stop for an ad break in the middle of it.”

McLachlan also paid tribute to Sydney chairman Andrew Pridham and joked about his hiring of soon to depart Channel 7 chief footy reporter Tom Browne.

Marcia Hines at the AFL function, where she wowed guests with two songs.

“Andrew is also riding a surge of popularity with the other clubs at the moment — thanks to him for hiring Tom Browne and getting him out of the media,’’ he said.

“I also personally want to thank you Andrew, Tom Browne has tagged me harder than a Brett Kirk run-with job for the best part of 10 years. It’ll be nice to bring the bins in without him jumping out from behind them.”

Carlton’s hierarchy wasn’t spared either — McLachlan saying of president Luke Sayers: “Luke is the only president who sees the role at Carlton more relaxing than his day job.”

Of CEO Brian Cook he said: “You said in May it didn’t matter if the Blues didn’t make finals. That’s like your partner telling you it doesn’t matter if you don’t get them something for their birthday. It’s one of the greatest diversions of all time. Never fall for it, it’s called experience. Brian, congratulations.”

Veteran singer Marcia Hines wowed guests with two songs in a sparkling and energetic performance.

Guests included Anthony Pratt, Mick Molloy, Sam Pang, John Nicholls, Meg Lanning, Mick

Martyn, John Pesutto and Sam Groth.

Take That Swans

Superstar singer Robbie Williams has shown his support for the Blues and also had a dig at the Swans.

Robbie Williams has shown support for Carlton on Friday night. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos

Williams, who lit up the stage before last year’s grand final, was a happy Bluebagger.

“Every time, every time, every time I’ve watched the Swans, the Swans have lost to everyone,’’ he said on a video on Instagram showing the game’s final moments on his laptop.

The Swans were smashed by Geelong in last year’s grand final.

Judd’s milestone

Chris Judd celebrated his 40th birthday on Friday and made a guest appearance in the Triple M box.

“It’s a big one (birthday) and good to be back on air in my natural habitat,’’ he said.

“It does feel a bit different the 40, none of the other birthdays have really touched the sides.

“When you’re a 20 year-old you always view the 40 year-olds as being over the hill. But I went bald at 19 and I took the hit early and you just roll with the punches and you keep moving forward.”

Judd said his twin boys Tom and Darcy were playing in the Auskick game at half-time.