Robbie Williams will headline the Telstra Pre-match entertainment at the 2022 Toyota AFL Grand Final. Picture: Liam Pethick/Mushroom Creative House

The AFL is pleased to announce international superstar Robbie Williams will perform during the Telstra pre-match entertainment at the 2022 Toyota AFL Grand Final.

The Telstra pre-match entertainment returns to the MCG for the first time in two years and will also feature a cast of Australian talent to be announced later in the season. Williams will also hand pick his band for the performance which will feature Australian musicians.

“We are back at the MCG, back in front of 100,000 fans and no better performer than Robbie Williams to help amplify the atmosphere ahead of the biggest sporting event in the country.” AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan said.

00:42

'Let me entertain you': Superstar locked in for Grand Final entertainment

Robbie Williams will headline the Telstra Pre-match entertainmentat the 2022 Toyota AFL Grand Final

AFL EGM Commercial and Customer Kylie Rogers said it was a privilege to have an international superstar of Robbie’s calibre join us on Toyota AFL Grand Final day.

“Robbie Williams is considered one of the world’s greatest showmen and to have him perform in the Telstra pre-game entertainment, along a with a cast of Australian acts to be announced shortly, will be the perfect way to open the 2022 Toyota AFL Grand Final.”

Robbie Williams said it was an honour to perform on the AFL’s biggest day of the year.

“I am so excited to be performing for all the fans, on the hallowed turf of the MCG, for the biggest game of the year.

“I'm really looking forward to performing with a cast of very talented local Australian musicians and I can't wait to see you all on that last Saturday in September.

“If it goes well, I might even put my hand up to be the next CEO of the AFL.” said Williams, with a cheeky smile.

Mushroom Group CEO Matt Gudinski said “We’re absolutely thrilled to confirm international superstar Robbie Williams will play the Toyota AFL Grand Final this year on its return to Melbourne and its home at the MCG. The Mushroom Group are excited to continue our longstanding relationship with the AFL and together we are working to produce one of the greatest Grand Final pre-game spectacles of all time. We’re also working on a very special half-time segment promoting some of our finest emerging homegrown talent.”