‘Wasn’t in the budget’: Photo exposes Snoop Dogg’s surprising Grand Final demand

The AFL Grand Final is only a handful of days away with Snoop Dogg set to take to the stage before Geelong and Brisbane lock horns at the MCG.

The US rapper has been in the controversial spotlight ever since he was announced at the performer for the biggest game of the year.

Now just days out from the pre-game show, a wild rumour emerged with the American reportedly making one big demand.

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Famous musicians wanting certain things in their dressing room before a show is nothing new, but Snoop’s request is something else.

According to Ross Stevenson, the California native has caused alarm bells to go off inside the AFL’s head office over his one demand.

“There has been a slight budgetary issue with Snoop Dogg’s Grand Final appearance on Saturday,” Ross said on 3AW’s Rumour File

“Because he has demanded that a replica of the stage for Saturday, be built at Marvel Stadium so he can rehearse before Thursday’s rehearsal at the MCG.

“Which means that the Dogg will be rehearsing at Marvel either today or tomorrow.

“I’m quite impressed by the fact that he wants to get it right … but it wasn’t in the budget.”

While it may have started as a rumour, images showed a stage had been constructed with rehearsals appearing to take place at Marvel Stadium.

Snoop touched down in Melbourne on Tuesday and made his first appearance the MCG where he showed off his skills with the footy.

After being given a run down on how to kick the ball by Josh and Nick Daicos, Snoop nailed his attempt from the boundary line.

Not once, but twice did he kick a goal before taking off in celebration.

The American will reportedly share the stage on Saturday with a host of Australian artists, including Baker Boy, Tash Sultana, singer Emma Donovan, Naarm-based artist Kee’ahn, and Grand Final regular Mike Brady.

The AFL came under heavy pressure to axe the American rapper from performing at the Grand Final, with many raising concerns over Snoop’s history of sexist and misogynistic lyrics and song titles.

However, news.com.au readers were emphatically against such a move, stating they would be disappointed if the league backflipped on their decision to allow him to perform.

The consternation over his appearance at the AFL’s biggest event is largely due to Izak Rankine’s four-game suspension for using a homophobic slur.

The 53-year-old, who was born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr, has written and performed songs over the years that revolve around violence, homophobia, misogyny and drug use.

AFL boss Andrew Dillon’s defended Snoop following the Rankine saga.

“It’s important to remember that we have engaged Snoop Dogg in 2025 as the person he is today,” Dillon said following the Rankine suspension.

“He has spoken publicly about his past, he has changed, and today he is a grandfather, philanthropist, he helps rehabilitate youth, and he’s a global entertainer who has performed at both the Super Bowl and the Olympic closing ceremony to audiences of more than 100 million people.

“In those environments, his performances were appropriate and well-received, and his performance this year at our grand final will be fitting for the best sporting event in the country.”

The AFL Grand Final will take place on Saturday, September 27.