STING will perform as part of the Virgin Australia Pre-Game Show for the Toyota AFL Grand Final, joining Vance Joy and The Living End.

However, he won't be part of the free concert after the game, with only Australian artists Vance Joy and The Living End performing there.

UK rocker Sting was formerly the lead singer of The Police, and has won 16 Grammy awards.

"It's a great honour to be invited to perform at the biggest day in Australian sport,” Sting said.

"I always have such an enjoyable time in Australia and I'm very much looking forward to returning to Melbourne next month."

Last year, international stars Bryan Adams, Ellie Goulding and Chris Isaak performed, while in 2014 Tom Jones and Ed Sheeran took centre stage.

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said those musicians would appeal to people of all ages.

"Sting is much loved the world over, and we couldn't be more thrilled that he will join us on the biggest day of our year," McLachlan said.

"Sting, Vance Joy and The Living End will no doubt entertain fans of all age."