Amy Shark shows the AFL what Grand Final entertainment should look like

The AFL was absolutely demolished for its Grand Final entertainment — but the NRL has received considerably better reviews.

Footy fans had a mixed reaction to Amy Shark’s performance ahead of the NRL Grand Final in Sydney, which Melbourne won 26-20 over Penrith.

Following the disastrous response to Saturday evening’s AFL Grand Final pre-match entertainment, many believed the NRL’s offering was a step in the right direction.

However, several fans were still calling for some uplifting music to precede rugby league’s premier event, rather than melodramatic pop ballads.

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After the Welcome to Country, Shark walked onto the stage at ANZ Stadium in front of a 40,000-strong crowd.

The six-time ARIA winner, whose real name is Amy Louise Billings, rattled off several of her biggest hits which have dominated the Australian charts over the past few years.

Amy Shark performs before the 2020 NRL Grand Final.

Starting with the empowering “Everybody Rise”, she followed up with a rendition of her latest single “C’MON”, featuring a recording from American drummer Travis Barker.

Shark then whipped out a guitar and pumped out a gritty cover of INXS classic “Never Tear Us Apart”, with help from the legendary Andrew Farriss.

Plenty of fans loved the surprise appearance of Farriss, and applauded Shark for making the best of a bad situation.

In past years, pre-match entertainers were accompanied by a packed crowd of adoring fans. However, Shark was forced to play her music in the rain with a cluster of socially-distanced spectators.

One thing is for sure — Amy Shark’s performance received nowhere near as much criticism as the AFL Grand Final.

Radio presenter Matt de Groot posted: “Before the usual sport of Grand Final entertainment bashing starts, let’s be clear — Amy Shark performing to a socially distant crowd in the rain is a about as tough a gig as it gets. She smashed what she does out of the park, that’s all you can ask. Well done!”

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Amy Shark is great. Made even better by a brief surprise appearance by INXS. #NRLGF

— Anthony Clark (@AnthonyClarkAU) October 25, 2020

Really enjoyed that from @amyshark! #NRLGF

— Joshua Wells (@joshuawells93) October 25, 2020

I won’t hear a bad word about #AmyShark.
Amy was there in Bega at the Panthers Vs Eels trial match at the beginning of the year putting on a free concert for locals who were affected by bushfires, so it’s only fitting she performs tonight at the big dance. #NRLGF @amyshark

— Matt Baseley (@MattBaseley) October 25, 2020

Amy Shark x INXS singing in the rain for #NRLGF is a vibe @amyshark

— cameron adams (@cameron_adams) October 25, 2020

That was actually pretty impressive @amyshark with @KirkPengilly @Andrew_Farriss

Nice unofficial @INXS reunion

— Becko (@beckodotcom) October 25, 2020

However, just as was witnessed during the AFL Grand Final, several viewers were underwhelmed by the dreary choice of songs, eager for some anthemic music.

AAP sport journalist Ed Jackson tweeted: “Whether you like Amy Shark’s music or not, I think it’s completely fair to say she’s not the right artist for a pre-game show. Bring some energy. Get people amped.”

Ballads to open #NRLGF 🥱

— Sarah Keenihan PhD (@sciencesarah) October 25, 2020

I like Amy Shark's music, but much like the #AFLGF yesterday, not the ideal first song choice to get the crowd pumped up for the #NRLGF tonight.

— Chris Coleman (@CJCau) October 25, 2020

Fair to say the concept of pre-game entertainment has taken a hit this weekend #nrl #afl

— Mark Gottlieb (@MarkGottlieb) October 25, 2020

Shark is a massive rugby league fan and worked for the Gold Coast Titans as a video producer before making it big in the music world.

Shark’s performance comes after the pre-match entertainment at the AFL Grand Final on Saturday night went down like a schooner of nails among footy fans.

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Those watching Richmond beat Geelong by 31 points complained the line-up of Aussie acts performed too many cover songs, and believed the tone of the musical numbers was too downbeat for such a big occasion.

After the Welcome to Country, Electric Fields, Busby and Thelma Plum performed a haunting rendition of Paul Kelly’s classic hit “From Little Things Big Things Grow”.

Three-piece rock band DMA’S covered Cher’s “Believe” as part of their set and indie stars Cub Sport reproduced iconic Powderfinger tune “These Days” — but footy lovers wanting to be hyped up felt the bands’ song choices were bringing the mood down.