Live: Kylie hits stage in blockbuster AFL grand final show at wet MCG

Because we weren’t going to have a Kylie show without Padam Padam.

Not sure how breathable that coat is, but it definitely makes a statement.

Because why the heck not?

…I hope the dancers can see out of those helmets.

 Kylie coming out of the gates with a banger.

Strap in, this is going to be fabulous.

Mike Brady is having a ripsnorter of a time up there!

A huge “Freo!!!” chant breaks out at the MCG as the retirees motorcade gets started.

Perhaps the reason for that is in car number one, with Fremantle’s own Nat Fyfe accompanied by former Brisbane, Collingwood and Fremantle player James Aish.

There’s a mix of new and old retirees – the recent announcements include Western Bulldogs Tom Liberatore and Adam Treloar, Melbourne’s Tom McDonald, Adelaide’s Taylor Walker, Geelong’s Rhys Stanley and Collingwood’s Steele Sidebottom.

Yeah, that was sick.

Really makes me wish I progressed beyond the recorder in music at school…

A quick change of instruments for GFlip, who is now shredding the guitar.

And they’re kicking things off with firepower!

There’s been plenty of support for the Dockers in Melbourne this week, but back in Perth there are all sorts of people — and animals — showing their colours.

Fremantle’s number one canine supporter was out on the streets early this morning, the two-year-old poodle called Chester sporting a special cut and colour.

“It’s food colouring, periwinkle, and the chevrons are spray-on hairspray,” said stylist and owner Sue Thorman.

“He is a pretty high maintenance kind of a guy.”

“People just love to get photos; he’s just a sensation, everyone just loves him,” said co-owner Mark Cairn.

Reporting from Lucy Murray

Looking at the game on paper, we were looking at a relatively free-flowing, attacking game with plenty of scoring.

However … Melbourne is throwing in some classic Melbourne conditions.

It’s cool and cloudy, nudging cold when you add a solid to strong breeze. We’ve already had rain this morning, and by the looks of things it’s getting a bit heavier.

So how do the teams cope with wet conditions? Not that well. Fremantle failed to fire in the wet against Hawthorn in the qualifying final, and their tall forwards might have a problem again today.

The Lions’ issue is more with their preferred mode of ball control. If it’s a drop here or there, OK, but if there are showers especially during the game, their chip/mark option may be harder. Then again, it is Melbourne weather we’re talking about – maybe we’ll have glorious sunshine by the time we start.

Buckle up, buttercups, the show’s about to start.

You have less than 10 minutes to get your dancing shoes on (or off, if your dancing shoes are just your bare feet).

Here’s a rundown of the pre-show timings:

• 1:25pm AEST: G Flip 
• 1:33pm AEST: Retiree motorcade and Mike Brady performance 
• 1:39pm AEST: Kylie Minogue 

It’s here, it’s grand final day, and it’s an hour and 20 minutes to go before the big dance begins.

I’ve done a lot of blogging already this week – and chances are a lot of you out there have joined me at times while we waited for events to unfold – and can I just say I am delighted to be able to blog about the actual footy for a change!

Let’s enjoy this day – we’re going to see history made regardless of the outcome. There are plenty of storylines to resolve (or not) depending what happens.

It’s going to be great, and I will be taking you through all the action this afternoon – except when we sub in Dannielle Maguire to bring you the non-footy star of proceedings, Kylie Minogue.

I’d love to hear how you’re feeling about the game – who will win, where you’re watching or reading from, who you’re going for. Let us know in the comments.

Let’s get into it!

Right that’s my stint on the field done as I head behind the curtain for the rest of the day’s coverage.

He’s been absolutely champing at the bit to steer the ship, so I will now leave you in the very capable hands of the great Andrew McGarry.

Have fun everyone!