Robbie Williams pays tribute to Shane Warne, John Farnham in grand final show

Pop star Robbie Williams paid tribute during his flashy, fun-filled grand final performance at the MCG to the late Shane Warne and sent a message of support to John Farnham, who is recovering from cancer surgery.

On a day when Geelong proved themselves to be unstoppable, it was a solid day too for musical entertainment at the MCG.

Rock band Goanna, which formed in Geelong in 1977, Williams, Delta Goodrem, Melbourne’s G-Flip and The Temper Trap were all in sparkling form.

After Mike Brady’s rousing rendition of Up There Cazaly kicked off the grand final pre-match show, Williams delivered on the hype.

Williams arrived for the show in a hot pink suit, belting out 1997 hit Let Me Entertain You, and the crowd was soon singing along with the English star and former member of chart-topping pop band Take That.

“I need the whole stadium to do this,” he said, swaggering onto the stage.

Robbie Williams at the ’G.Credit: Eddie Jim

Flanked by dancers in gold and silver suits, the eight-time Brit Award winner basked in the brilliant sunshine and rousing reception from the huge crowd.

Williams’ star power, combined with much-loved Goanna, and younger, rising Australian stars was a winning combination.

There have been hits and well-documented misses with the AFL’s grand final entertainment over the years, but giving such a huge platform this year to young artists, including Budjerah, and Bowraville rapper Tasman Keith, was a significant step in the right direction.

Tasman Keith at the grand final show.Credit: Scott Barbour

A video message from Williams was played during April’s state memorial service for Shane Warne, and below the MCG’s renamed Shane Warne Stand on Saturday, the singer again paid tribute to his friend.

“This song is dedicated to one of Australia’s greatest rock stars, Shane Warne. Love you Warnie,” he said, before launching into Angels.

The camera panned to the late cricketing champion’s children Brooke and Jackson in the stands.

Rock DJ and lesser known song Lost also featured in the 48-year-old’s 20-minute performance. “It’s the obligatory new song, we’ll get through it together,” he said with a grin, before Lost.

Two days after John Farnham’s family gave an update on his condition following his marathon cancer surgery in August, Williams sent his own heartfelt message to Australia’s star of the stage.

“Let’s all send our love to John and his family,” he said, before singing Farnham’s 1986 hit You’re The Voice. The capacity crowd belted out the chorus on Williams’ behalf.

The star power went up a notch with Delta Goodrem joining Williams for a cracking version of Kids, the song he originally made famous with Kylie Minogue 22 years ago.

Robbie Williams with Delta Goodrem at the grand final.Credit: Scott Barbour

There was speculation around Melbourne that Minogue might join the grand final entertainment, but Goodrem confirmed her own role on Thursday during the build-up.

Katie Noonan sang the national anthem after the players lined up on the ground, and earlier Uncle Colin Hunter jnr delivered a welcome to country.

After the Cats’ lead ballooned to 36 points late in the second quarter, the crowd was treated to a half-time highlight with Goanna performing Solid Rock.

Four decades since Goanna frontman Shane Howard was inspired to write the song, following a trip to Uluru, Solid Rock struck a hugely powerful chord on football’s biggest day.

Goanna during the grand final half-time performance.Credit: Scott Barbour

Joined by rapper and Gumbaynggirr man Tasman Keith, Christine Anu, Emma Donovan and didgeridoo player William Barton, Howard and his band shone brightly.

G-Flip unleashed a cracking cover of Jet’s Are You Gonna Be My Girl, and The Temper Trap was joined on stage by Ngaiire and Coodjinburra man Budjerah, who won last year’s ARIA breakthrough artist award.

The Temper Trap kicked off the half-time entertainment.Credit: Scott Barbour

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