Gillon McLachlan roasts Qantas, footy supporters in finals speech

Outgoing AFL boss Gillon McLachlan was in flying form when he took aim at Qantas as he launched the AFL finals series for his last time as CEO.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan was in flying form at the Finals Series launch. Picture: Getty Images

Time On is your daily wrap-up of all the footy gossip and banter.

Gillon McLachlan’s last finals series as CEO started with a bang on Thursday night.

His speech at the AFL function was met with laughter and applause after he cracked a few gags with much success.

Unlike some of his speech at the AFL Awards last week this one hit all the right notes in a room full of VIP guests, footy greats, entertainers and media.

The outgoing boss kicked off with a joke about Qantas.

“I especially want to thank everyone who has travelled from interstate to be here,’’ McLachlan said. “I understand there may have been some airline issues this week. So I’m very happy to have you all here landed and on time. I can only assume you flew with our magnificent partner Virgin. I spoke to Richard (Goyder) today, he wouldn’t divulge which airline he took to his son’s wedding in Broome. But I reckon there’s a chance he went on Virgin, as well.”

Gillon McLachlan let some zingers fly at the AFL Finals Series launch. Picture: Getty Images

The room soon exploded with laughter when he referenced each side’s supporter base.

“A clash for the ages, $1.90 the pair, it is very hard to split them. Collingwood and the Melbourne Football Club,’’ he said.

“Two proud sides representing two very different but equally passionate supporter bases. The red and blue versus the black and white stripes. It’s the defence lawyers versus their clients.”

And to top it off McLachlan drew laughter again when pointing to the Pies’ father-son success.

“Three all Australians, all father-sons — Moore and two Daicos brothers, Josh and Nick. Collingwood’s recruiting strategy is now just asking Peter Daicos to consider having more children,’’ he said.

Guests at the function included Heloise Pratt and singer Jon Stevens, who performed, Peter Moore, Peter Daicos, Archie Thompson, Mick Molloy and MC Rebecca Maddern.

Nick Daicos, Josh Giddey and Tom Mitchell in the rooms post-match.

Josh gets Giddey over Pies

Basketball sensation Josh Giddey enjoyed the game with Eddie McGuire in the JAMTV box before heading to the Collingwood rooms to celebrate the win.

Demon on the outer Brodie Grundy also popped in to the box.

Spotted around the ground were rapper Briggs, former AFL boss Andrew Demetriou and former Magpie Mick Gayfer.

‘Strauchanie’ and Jack Riewoldt at the launch of the 2023 AFL Grand Final Live Site. Picture: Getty Images

‘Strauchanie’ turns up Grand Final heat

If you thought the AFL finals action couldn’t get any hotter, Jack Riewoldt and Peter Helliar as “Strauchanie” will be turning up the heat on Grand Final Eve.

The recently retired Riewoldt and Collingwood personality “Strauchanie” won’t hold back as they take aim at some of footy’s biggest names, “roasting” them for a light-hearted laugh.

Magpies legend Peter Daicos and AFLW stars will also join them on stage to torch their teammates and opponents.

The triple-premiership Tiger said he’s already got his sights set on a few former teammates.

“I won’t go too hard on my former teammates, but maybe Trent Cotchin, I know he’ll be lingering around,” he said.

“No doubt I’ll have something there.”

“Strauchanie” said while he’s expecting to be a late inclusion for tonight’s (Thursday) match, he’ll be looking to take down some Collingwood royalty before the big dance.

“The Macedonian Marvel (Peter Daicos), he’s got a couple of handy sons, they’re playing alright,” he said.

Riewoldt, who hung up the boots at the end of the season, said he fancies the winner of tonight’s (Thursday) match as flag favourites as he begins life after football.

“I think either Melbourne or Collingwood for the premiership … but I think the Swans are a very good smokey,” he added.

“It’s different, it’s great, there’s no better place to be than in Melbourne in September.”

Carlton Draught will host The Carlton Quarter outside the MCG during grand final week, with Aussie DJ Hot Dub Time Machine spinning decks as food trucks, bars and footy legends entertain fans.