The AFL Grand Final rolls around on September 30, followed by the NRL Grand Final on October 1.
And I guess all we can hope for is that everyone has a good time and no one gets hurt.
Of course that is rubbish.
Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing, as was said by UCLA Bruins football coach Henry Russell “Red” Sanders. Or, if you prefer Ricky Bobby, “if you ain’t first, you’re last.”
When it comes to Grand Final get-togethers around the country, however, we just hope that everyone has a good time and no one gets hurt. Here are some tunes you may wish to add to your festivities. Enjoy the day, folks.
Kernkraft 400 – Zombie Nation
Plenty of sports teams have used this 1999 track, most notably the Boston Bruins. It made Sports Illustrated’s Top 10 Stadium Anthems.
Renegade – Styx
On January 5, 2002, during a playoff game against Cleveland Browns in which they were trailing, the Pittsburgh Steelers crew at JumboTron changed the course of history with this.
Bang on the Drum – Todd Rundgren
Despite Rundgren referring to it as a “throwaway song’, when the Green Bay Packers score a touchdown on home soil of Lambeau Field, this is the go-to lifter.
Never Tear Us Apart – INXS
Given Port Adelaide is still in the fight, this one deserves a shout out. Beating out another suggestion in Midnight Oil’s Power and the Passion, it was first used in 2014.
Paint the Whole World Green – Jason Plumb
Canadian singer-songwriter Jason Plumb recorded this track for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2007. It is played at home games.
Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
Sylvester Stallone wanted Queen’s ‘Another One Bites the Dust’ for Rocky III, but a rights deal couldn’t be reached. What we got is the most iconic sports movie song of all time.
We Will Rock You – Queen
There are many reasons to choose this one, but we did it simply for appearing in the medieval/sports film, A Knight’s Tale. It’s called a lance, hello.
Enter Sandman – Metallica
New York Yankees Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera used this as his walk-up music. He is the only player to date to be elected unanimously by the BBWAA.
Sandstorm – Darude
According to an architect working on Texas A&M’s stadium, the stands in the south end had to be reinforced due to Sandstorm’s “particular frequency” caused by shaking.
Tessie – Dropkick Murphys
The Red Sox have Sweet Caroline, but they also have Dropkick Murphys’ Tessie. The original 1902 version is said to have helped Boston win the first World Series.
The Final Countdown – Europe
A long-time favourite of sporting arenas in the lead-up to play, the Detroit Pistons used the song during their ‘Bad Boys’ era.
Shut Up – The Footy’s on the Radio – TISM
Written for a Triple M competition in 1997, it won and became the theme music for Triple M’s AFL coverage. It’s a reasonable request, too.
Brass Bonanza – Written by Jack Say
Before they relocated to become the Carolina Hurricanes, the Hartford Whalers adopted this song. It became the official fight song from 1977 to 1997.
You’ll Never Walk Alone – Gerry and the Pacemakers
After becoming a hit by a local band, the song soon found its place as Liverpool F.C.’s anthem. You’ll Never Walk Alone is the official motto on their coat of arms.
High Hopes – Frank Sinatra
First popularised by Sinatra, the late Phillies play-by-play announcing legend Harry Kalas sang High Hopes following the Phillies’ ’93 NLC win and 2008 World Series win.
Puck Off – Pantera
This was written when Dallas Stars defenceman Craig Ludwig suggested the band throw something together as motivation for the 1999 Stanley Cup.
Chelsea Dagger – Fratellis
First adopted by Celtic F.C., it is a popular football anthem. Outside of that, the Chicago Blackhawks began using it as their goal song during 2008-09.
You’re the Best – Joe Esposito
Another song originally intended for Rocky III, this instead made it to the All Valley Karate Championships montage in The Karate Kid. Also, the kick was legal.
He Got Game – Public Enemy
A mash-up of Buffalo Springfield and Public Enemy, this song features in the Spike Lee sports-drama of the same name. Public Enemy provided the entire soundtrack.
Wild Thing – X version
Apparently a favourite of baseball players, ‘Wild Thing’ is the personal anthem of Charlie Sheen’s Ricky “Wild Thing” Vaughn in Major League.
Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver
Of all the Brisbane home game goal celebrations, Charlie Cameron’s is number one. The home crowd on Saturday night was in full force.
Sabotage – Beastie Boys
According to Toronto Raptors/Maple Leafs Game Ops Director Anton Wright, this is a favourite to get the crowd up and going.
Unbelievable – EMF
Featuring samples of Andrew Dice Clay, this was used in AFL adverts during the ’90s, as well as a celebration for big plays from the Padres’ Ken Caminiti.
Seven Nation Army – White Stripes
With one of the most recognisable riffs in the music world, it is little surprise the crowd will chant a series of ‘oh’ sounds or the name of an athlete to the famous riff.
Top of the World (Olé, Olé, Olé) – Chumbawamba
Such a simple and addictive chant used around the world, Chumbawamba used the Olé, Olé, Olé chant in their 1998 song ‘Top of the World (Olé, Olé, Olé)’.
Lose Yourself – Eminem
In 2018, Spotify analysed this song and found it featured on 43.5 million workout playlists. Used by many an athlete to get themselves pumped up.
Run the World (Girls) – Beyoncé
This was used as the walk-up music for Mo’ne Davis, who became the first girl to pitch a shutout in the Little League World Series.
Holy Grail – Hunters and Collectors
There are a few Australian songs that could be chosen, but it’s difficult to go against the one that was anointed the official AFL theme song in 2002.
Three Lions – David Baddiel, Frank Skinner & The Lightning Seeds
Also known as ‘It’s Coming Home’, this patriotic song was written to mark England’s participation in the 1996 UEFA European Championship, which England hosted.
Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
In one of several Journey songs to have been used as sporting anthems, ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’ was used by the Chicago White Sox for their (successful) 2005 World Series tilt.
(Simply) The Best – Tina Turner & Jimmy Barnes
For some, The Best will forever be associated with the 1990 New South Wales Rugby League premiership promotional campaign. It was featured again in 2020.
Sirius – The Alan Parsons Project
While best known as the starting line-up introduction for the Chicago Bulls during their golden years, it also served as the intro music for WWE’s Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat.
I Won’t Do What You Tell Me – ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin
Speaking of wrestling, the glass shatter and opening riff of Stone Cold’s introduction is regarded as one of the all-time great walk-ons. It was composed by Jim Johnston.
Jump – Van Halen
PRS for Music held a poll among its readers for its favourite sporting anthem in the lead-up to the 2012 London Olympics. ‘Jump’ beat out ‘Start Me Up’ and ‘Higher and Higher’.
Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye – Steam
Chicago White Sox organist Nancy Faust began playing the song in 1977. Used as a taunt when a home team is about to win, or when an opposing player strikes out.
Rock and Roll – Gary Glitter
This was first used by the minor league hockey team, the Kalamazoo Wings. Soon enough, it couldn’t be avoided at sports arenas everywhere.
Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) – Shakira
Released in 2010 as the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup held in South Africa, it samples the original Cameroonian song ‘Zamina mina (Zangaléwa)’.
Beer Barrel Polka (Roll Out the Barrel) – Will Glahe
An unofficial state song of Wisconsin, this track is often played at events for the Milwaukee Brewers, the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Panthers.
Blitzkrieg Bop – Ramones
The Ramones wrote this in search of their own chant after hearing the ‘S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y, Night’ by Bay City Rollers. ‘Hey, Ho, Let’s Go’ is a solid crowd rev-up.
Jump Around – House of Pain
While always a popular go-to, its greatest link is arguably with the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The Badgers play it at home games between the third and fourth quarters.
Mony Mony – Billy Idol
Originally recorded by Tommy James and the Shondells, this can be a popular backing song for when a mascot takes centre court in order to get the crowd up and about.
Burn it to the Ground – Nickelback
Nickelback’s ode to getting drunk was the third most-played song at sports events in 2009-10, behind Kevin Rudolf’s ‘Let it Rock’ and Queen’s ‘We Will Rock You’.
Down Under – Men at Work
This Aussie classic was used in 1983 following Australia’s America’s Cup Victory. It was used again when Australia drew with Croatia to reach the FIFA World Cup 2006 last 16.
Click Click Boom – Saliva
Inspired by AC/DC’s ‘Back in Black’, the WWE used this during their 2001 No Mercy special. It also appears in the video game BMX XXX.
I Won’t Back Down – Tom Petty
This became a tradition at Florida Gators games. It was also used as the walk-on song for the San Francisco Giants’ Jeff Brantley.
Delilah – Tom Jones
Tom Jones would perform his signature tune prior to Wales’ historic 1999 win over England in an era-defining moment featuring a last-minute Scott Gibbs try.
Get Ready for This – 2 Unlimited
Ya’ll ready for this? Here’s hoping, as this became a huge sporting anthem. It has been used as an introduction by various teams and featured in Space Jam.
Welcome to the Jungle – Guns N’ Roses
In 2009, Rolling Stone readers named the Guns N’ Roses classic the greatest sports anthem. Not bad for a song apparently written in three hours.
In the Air Tonight – Phil Collins
Just think of the drums. From Ray Lewis to Mike Tomlin, Riddick Bowe to Jermaine Taylor, there is something about this unlikely song that inspires athletes.
Mr. Brightside – The Killers
Richmond fans may forever link this song to Jack Riewoldt, while fans of Adelaide may forever link this song to Jack Riewoldt.
Fire, Ready, Aim – Green Day
Already a solid source for sports anthem material, Green Day signed a two-year deal with the NHL in 2019. The song would be used as NBCSN’s Wednesday Night Hockey theme.
Hail to the King – Avenged Sevenfold
It was a dream come true for Avenged Sevenfold when their song became a sporting pump-up. It was used as the official theme for WrestleMania 32.
Let’s Go Crazy – Prince
Following the death of Minnesota-born musical legend Prince, the Minnesota Wild ice hockey team adopted this song to celebrate goals at their home stadium.
Baba O’Riley – The Who
Used in the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics, this song has also been used for player introductions at Los Angeles Lakers home games.
Who Let the Dogs Out – Baha Men
Apparently it was felt no radio station would be interested, so instead this song was sent out to various basketball, football, baseball and hockey teams. The rest, as they say, is history.
Road to Glory – 2Pac
2Pac wrote this song for his friend Mike Tyson, who used it as his entrance song to his 1996 bout with Frank Bruno. Tyson won in three rounds.
Whole Again – Atomic Kitten
During England’s semi-finals at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, fans created a chant dedicated to manager Gareth Southgate to the tune of ‘Whole Again’.
Bound for Glory – Angry Anderson
By law, this one had to be included. The 1991 Grand Final half-time show featuring a blue Batmobile is part of AFL legend.
