UPDATE: Tensions rose at the 2025 AFL Grand Final Breakfast in North Melbourne as Opposition Leader Sussan Ley took a sharp jab at her own party leader, Peter Dutton, during a lively gathering of 1,400 fans. The annual event, known for its festive atmosphere, kicked off with champagne popping and lighthearted banter, but Ley’s remarks added a political edge to the celebration.
With Prime Minister Anthony Albanese currently overseas, Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles set the tone by declaring the Federal Government officially supports the Geelong Cats today. He humorously dismissed calls for political impartiality, saying, “bugger that,” much to the audience’s delight. Marles also poked fun at Ley, suggesting she was relieved her team, the Sydney Swans, did not qualify for the finals to avoid further emotional trauma after last year’s defeat.
Ley countered with a witty remark, comparing St Kilda’s recent spending spree on players to Dutton’s financial decisions, adding, “but without the debt.” She humorously noted, “2025 is a gap year for the Swans,” referencing her confidence in her team’s future, while criticizing the Victorian Liberal Party’s prolonged struggle. “It’s closing in on Essendon’s finals drought,” she quipped, drawing laughs from the crowd.
The atmosphere was charged with humor and rivalry as North Melbourne President Sonja Hood made headlines with her candid admission of indifference toward the Grand Final winner. She criticized Albanese’s choice to meet with King Charles instead of attending the event, calling it “un-Australian.” Her jibe about the Prime Minister seeking another selfie added to the playful banter.
Among the attendees were outgoing AFL Commission chair Richard Goyder, CEO Andrew Dillon, and footy legends like Gary Ablett Junior. Dillon expressed his support for Geelong, while Laura Kane, the league’s executive general manager of football, jokingly opted for the umpires, prompting murmurs among the audience.
As the AFL Grand Final approaches, the playful jabs and political undertones from the breakfast highlight the intertwining of sports and politics in Australia, making this year’s event particularly memorable. With both the festivities and political commentary, the day promises to be a talking point for fans and political analysts alike.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Grand Final approaches!
