Doesn’t get more Aussie than Jimmy Barnes playing Flame Trees at the MCG

THE only problem with Jimmy Barnes doing the AFL Grand Final entertainment is this is only the second time he’s been asked. Criminal. He instantly silenced those asking why bands they’ve never heard of are being flown in to play at the ‘G, writes Cameron Adams.

Jimmy Barnes pre game. Picture: Michael Klein

THE AFL has finally recognised hip hop with America’s Black Eyed Peas becoming the first rappers to perform in the pre Grand Final entertainment.

The Peas performed a medley with bite size grabs of hits Let’s Get It Started, Where is the Love and perennial party starter and sporting pump up jam I Gotta Feeling.

Singer Fergie left the band last year, but replacement Jessica Reynosa does a fine job.

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Even the dreaded new material worked — their comeback single Big Love fitted in nicely and snuck a political message into the big day hidden inside a catchy tune.

The Black Eyed Peas showed to AFL finally recognising hip hop. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Doesn’t get more Aussie than Jimmy Barnes at the ‘G. Picture: Michael Klein

The only problem with Jimmy Barnes doing the AFL Grand Final entertainment is that this is only the second time he’s been asked. Criminal.

Barnsey instantly silenced those asking why there’s bands they’ve never heard of flown in to play a few songs on the ‘G.

And unlike 2009 Barnsey was actually on the hallowed turf, not on that weird little stage they used to have on the stands.

You want classic Aussie rock? How about Jimmy effing Barnes blasting Flame effing Trees on the MCG, complete with the word ‘bulls — t’ left intact.

Nothing unites people like some Cold Chisel. Picture: Getty

If we can’t have Cold Chisel at an AFL Grand Final (they played the NRL Grand Final a few years ago) this will do nicely.

Nothing unites people, and steadies the pre-Granny nerves like some Chisel, mate.

How do you follow Flame Trees as your opener? No Second Prize, Barnsey’s own ready built sporting anthem (which he played here back in 2009).

Of course he could have busted out a dozen more hits, but there’s a game to play. And he’s doing a full set for free after the game if you want Working Class Man and Khe Sanh, folks.

And a Grand Final wouldn’t be the same without Mike Brady busting out Up There Cazaly for the umpteenth time, just as passionately as the last half a dozen time he’s done it.