Whether it be in the stadium or from your couch, everyone loves a good sports song.
Some of a game’s greatest memories have been soundtracked by the likes of the culture’s greatest, from the moody bassline in Seven Nation Army, the boom boom clap of Queen’s We Will Rock You, or the drunken do-do-do’s of Chelsea Dagger on a Saturday night.
With the AFL grand final taking place this Saturday, the Brisbane Lions and Sydney Swans will battle it out for the 2024 premiership cup title, marking the first two non-Victorian teams to be in the grand final in over a decade.
With a brand new goal songs playlist that’s been getting them through 2024, we take a look at the songs that have christened the goal posts for these Aussie sports stars. From Kylie, Queen, and the Frozen soundtrack: here’s the best (and worst) of goal songs seen on field this year.
43. Zac Bailey – Hey Baby by DJ Otzi
Controversial opinion. Is Hey Baby sung after every Australian crowd clear-out from festivals and sports games? Yes. Is it overdone? Yes. Save the ‘Hey Baby’ for after the game, Bailey.
42. Noah Answerth – 3AM by Matchbox Twenty
Undeniably great song… too depressing for a goal celebration. Matchbox Twenty’s Rob Thomas wrote the song about the time he spent as a kid caring for his mother who was sick with cancer. Noah, I really hope you’re not feeling lonely after scoring.
41. Lachie Neale – How To Make Gravy by Paul Kelly
Same as 42 – great song; doesn’t fit the mood. From Little Things, Big Things Grow may have been a better Paul Kelly choice.
40. James Tunstill – Whiskey Glasses by Morgan Wallen
There are millions of songs to choose from and these fellas keep choosing the heartbreaking ones. Is everything ok? Do you really miss WA that bad?
39. James Madden – This Is The Life by Amy Macdonald
Madden is a Gaelic man, so picking Scottish songstress Amy Macdonald is actually quite sentimental. Just doesn’t get the crowd up enough.
38. Callum Ah Chee – Archie, Marry Me by Alvvays
Great, great song. There’s no denying Callum has taste, AND he’s a great asset to the Lions. The play on words is also a pleasure. Unfortunately, Alvvayys’ Archie, Marry Me isn’t well-known enough to get the justice of a full crowd belter.
37. Jack Payne – Boys from the Bush by Lee Kernaghan
While a Sunny Coast upbringing doesn’t exactly count one as a ‘Boy from the Bush’, Payne’s track has some appeal with country fans.
36. Deven Roberston – R U Mine? By Arctic Monkeys
A bit sensual, a bit threatening: Robertson’s broody Arctic Monkeys choice is intimidating enough to be taken seriously but not lively enough for crowd encouragement. Great bassline.
35. Darcy Fort – Keep On Movin’ by Five ft Steve Mac
Five’s Keep On Movin’ carried a consensus of optimism into the nineties, and continues to carry that optimism into the stadium today. We can’t wait to hear more of this in the final, as Fort subs in for McIerney.
34. Darcy Wilmot – Replay by Iyaz
Wilmot is an understated player, with a 70% win rate over 55 games. With Iyaz’ hit R&B song soundtracking him, we hope to see a few amazing match replays highlighting Darc in the GF.
33. Brandon Starcevich – All Star by Smash Mouth
He’s been a true blue Lions player for the past six years, but this defender needs to learn that he’s kicking a dead horse with All Star.
32. Jaxon Prior – Times Like These by Foo Fighters
Lost some clout on this one thanks to Grohl… bad timing.
31. Carter Michael – One Kiss by Calvin Harris ft Dua Lipa
Funky and fairly new. Goes alright.
30. Harry Sharp – 22 by Taylor Swift
Sharp is number 22, turning 22 in December – the song tying it all together is just chef’s kiss.
29. Luke Lloyd – Viva La Vida by Coldplay
Chris Martin’s whoaaaa’s within this song make for an engageable and emotional moment.
28. Brandon Ryan – Freed from Desire by Gala
This one places retired ravers back in their element.
27. Shadeau Brain – Lovin on Me by Jack Harlow
Shadeau Brain’s song of choice is a cheeky one. An interesting choice to say the least.
26. Harris Andrews – Magic Carpet Ride by Steppenwolf
This co-captain is in the middle of the pack with a safe choice. Steppenwolf’s Magic Carpet Ride provides some fun clavinet and guitar strumming to make the boomers and Gen X in the crowds positively giddy.
25. Will Ashcroft – Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield
Release your inhibitions, FEEL THE RAIN ON YOUR SKIN.
24. Tom Doedee – Radio Ga Ga by Queen
Queen will always be timeless within the stadium. With a fan-involving clap-sequence in the middle of the chorus and an easy-to remember earworm chorus, its a pretty solid pick from Tom. Not heard enough this year with Doedee’s season-ending ACL tear.
23. Henry Smith – Twist And Shout by The Beatles
Henry’s Beatles classic encourages a little hip action, getting some light grooving from the crowd. Cue the Ferris Bueller scene, and you’ll understand the potential with this one.
22. Kalin Lane – BUTTERFLY EFFECT by Travis Scott
A hotly contested track from Kalin; Australians ride a fine line between loving and hating Travis, and it’s all in the age bracket. Serving as the gym track for thousands of Aussies worldwide, we understand the hype that gravitates towards this track for some fans.
21. Jaspa Fletcher – Livin’ On A Prayer by Bon Jovi
A classic from a young fella helps the parents know that the kids are alright. Anyone who has listened to Triple M in the past three decades will know every word to the chorus, and the high notes are very appealing to attempt with a bit of dutch courage.
20. Keidean Coleman – Confidence by Ocean Alley
A favourite amongst the younger Triple J-oriented audience. It really is all about Confidence, baby.
19. Jarryd Lyons – Afraid To Feel by LF SYSTEM
While a little unfamiliar to crowd members outside of the Gen Z and Gen Alpha age brackets, this TikTok-famous tune is a banger to throw your hands in the air to. This track will be ending its run this year, as Lyons retires after the 2024 season.
18. Conor McKenna – Zombie by The Cranberries
An alt-rock classic and allows McKenna to honour his Irish heritage. A job well done.
17. Ryan Lester – You’re the Voice by John Farnham
Froggy has nailed the goal song here. Unfortunately for Farnham fans, Frog is a defender.
16. Reece Torrent – Another One Bites The Dust by Queen
Torrent’s got his machine guns ready to go. Which team will bite the dust for this final game?
15. Oscar McInerney – Not Pretty Enough by Kasey Chambers
The big O provides some in-stadium comedy with this Kasey Chambers track. A juxtaposed number to hear when the 6’7 ruckman slots a goal through.
14. Hugh McCluggage – Hey Jude by The Beatles
“Hey Hugh, don’t make it bad. Take a sad game and make it better.”
Extra points for McCartney’s endless nanana’s at the end.
13. Josh Dunkley – Karma by Taylor Swift
If your girlfriend wasn’t already in love with co-vice captain Dunks, Taylor Swift’s Karma would have converted her. With Dunks about to play his fourth grand final, we’re hoping some Karma is on the cards for the opposition.
12. Linc McCarthy – American Pie by Don McLean
This one is an honourable addition, as Linc has also been out of the season with an ACL injury.
11. Eric Hipwood – Eagle Rock by Daddy Cool
Instructions unclear; half the crowd has their pants down.
10. Zane Zakostelsky – Sharp Dressed by ZZ Top
The wordplay with Zane’s initials is a clever move, and the song is killer. A great choice for the bearded dad in your life.
9. Logan Morris – On a Night like This
A bit of Kylie Minogue from the young fella – we love to see it.
8. Darcy Gardiner – Rock The Casbah by The Clash
Great song, not heard enough this season due to Gardiner’s ACL injury.
7. Jarrod Berry – Thunderstruck by AC/DC
An absolute patriotic classic. The adrenaline becomes so high in the bleachers that it could power the entire stadium.
6. Darragh Joyce – Vogue by Madonna
We wish we’d seen more of Darragh this season purely to bask in the frivolity of this track!
5. Dayne Zorko – Throw Your Hands Up (Dancar Kuduro) by Qwote, Pitbull & Lucenzo
The siren in the back of this one really adds to the hype. Zorko deserves a high ranking for his part in dealing some winning kicks in the semi.
4. Cam Rayner – Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond
The iconic BUM, BUM, BUM echoes around the Gabba at full volume – truly magical stuff.
3. Joe Daniher – Let It Go by Idina Menzel (Frozen Soundtrack)
Kids love the song, parents love the goal, everyone loves Daniher. The crowd goes wild!
2. Kai Lohmann – Oops!…I Did It Again
Kai you cheeky devil. Combining the rough and tumble of the league with the sassiness of Britney’s 2000 tune is a brilliant spectacle to behold. It also matches Kai’s cheeky demeanour perfectly. With Lohmann becoming an absolute machine with the goals, we’re so glad we get this throwback to enjoy.
1. Charlie Cameron – Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver
We all knew Charlie Cameron’s song choice of Take Me Home, Country Roads would be first. Whether you’re a third or fourth gen AFL fan, or a newbie who is still picking up the rules of the game, everyone can unite in a good ol’ singalong to this John Denver classic. Some of the Lion’s greatest moments have been soundtracked by this country banger.
Maybe the Brisbane Lions will take the premiership cup home this year as well…
Tune into the AFL grand final on Saturday from 2:30, available via Channel 7, 7Plus, and the AFL Live App.
