Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley speaks on stage during the North Melbourne AFL Grand Final day breakfast at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre in Melbourne, Saturday, September 27, 2025. (AAP Image/Con Chronis) NO ARCHIVING
UPDATE: Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has taken a bold stance against her own party during the AFL Grand Final Breakfast, directly criticizing Peter Dutton in a lively exchange as the event kicked off in North Melbourne earlier today. With 1,400 fans in attendance, the atmosphere was charged with humor and spirited rivalry as festivities began with the sound of popping champagne corks.
Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles, a devoted supporter of the Geelong Football Club, humorously declared the Federal Government’s official backing for Geelong, stating, “I hereby declare that the Federal Government is giving its full and official support to the Geelong Football Club today.” His remarks drew laughter from the crowd, reflecting the lighthearted nature of the event amidst the serious backdrop of political rivalry.
With Prime Minister Anthony Albanese overseas, Marles seized the opportunity for a few jabs, quipping that Ley must be relieved her team, the Sydney Swans, didn’t reach the final, thus avoiding potential trauma counseling from last year’s defeat. Ley quickly fired back, likening St Kilda’s recent spending spree on players to Albanese’s credit card usage, emphasizing her party’s financial prudence.
“One umpire is more unpopular than Peter Dutton at the last election,” Ley added, showcasing her wit while also poking fun at her own party’s struggles. She confidently proclaimed 2025 a “gap year” for the Swans, hoping it won’t mirror the prolonged gap year of the Victorian Liberal Party, which she claimed has lasted over a decade and is nearing the infamous finals drought of Essendon.
North Melbourne President Sonja Hood garnered significant laughter when she stated she was indifferent to the Grand Final’s outcome, calling out Prime Minister Albanese’s choice to meet with King Charles instead of attending the game as “un-Australian.” Hood joked about Albanese trying to add a new selfie to his collection, following his recent photo opportunity with Donald Trump.
The breakfast was attended by the outgoing AFL Commission chair Richard Goyder, AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon, and Geelong legend Gary Ablett Junior, alongside a mix of officials, business leaders, and passionate fans. Dillon expressed his support for Geelong, while Laura Kane, the league’s executive general manager of football, humorously suggested she would support the umpires.
This lively prelude to the 2025 AFL Grand Final not only showcased the camaraderie and competitive spirit of Australian football but also highlighted the ongoing political theatrics surrounding the sport. As the final approaches, all eyes will be on how these playful rivalries translate into real-world implications for both sporting and political arenas.
This event marks a significant moment in the AFL calendar, blending sports with local politics, and it’s a sure bet that the exchanges today will resonate beyond the breakfast table.
