Aussie Rules History of Failed Crowd Gimmicks
From runaway elephants to disastrous hovercrafts, AFL clubs often struggle with pre-game stunts.
1The Wharfie Time Controversy
Fremantle recently reprised Wharfie Time, a gimmick featuring AC/DC's Hells Bells, during an AFLW match. This follows the 2026 AFL Grand Final, where the activation backfired spectacularly. Despite holding a 17-point lead, the team faltered after the music played, allowing the Brisbane Lions to stage a comeback and secure the victory.
2Adelaide's Failed Power Stance
In 2017, the Adelaide Crows introduced a rigid pre-game power stance to intimidate opponents during the national anthem. While initially successful in early finals, the tactic failed during the Grand Final against Richmond. The Tigers won by 48 points, and the Crows abandoned the ritual, failing to win another final for nine years.
3North Melbourne's Circus Elephant
During a 1978 match against Collingwood, North Melbourne brought a live circus elephant onto the Arden Street Oval. The stunt turned dangerous when the animal became spooked by the crowd's roar and began galloping. Police were forced to evacuate spectators until handlers regained control, leading the club to permanently retire the elephant act.
4Carlton's Hovercraft Misadventures
Carlton utilized a blue hovercraft named Captain Carlton to energize fans throughout the 1990s and again in 2015. The 2015 revival, dubbed Blue Betty, faced immediate issues, including turf damage concerns and a subsequent incident where the craft flipped over in the Yarra River. The club eventually moved away from these complex mechanical displays.
5Angry Anderson's Batmobile Performance
The 1991 AFL Grand Final featured singer Angry Anderson performing atop a modified Batmobile. The stunt is remembered as a failure due to severe technical issues; Anderson could not hear his backing track over the vehicle's loud exhaust. The performance was widely mocked and remains a cautionary tale regarding elaborate half-time entertainment choices.
6The Infamous Pig Stunt
In 1993, a pig painted with the name Plugga and the number four was released onto the SCG goal square. Intended to distract St Kilda's Tony Lockett, the stunt proved ineffective as Lockett was injured and did not play. The Swans lost the match by 37 points, rendering the elaborate prank entirely pointless.
7Successful Fan Anthems
Not all gimmicks fail; some become iconic cultural staples for clubs. Brisbane Lions fans celebrate goals with John Denver's Country Roads, while Port Adelaide supporters sing INXS's Never Tear Us Apart before home games. These rituals have become deeply embedded in club identity, proving that music can effectively unify fans and players alike.
8Future of Club Rituals
Despite the mixed history of gimmicks, Fremantle CEO Simon Garlick confirmed Hells Bells will return for the 2027 season. Opposing coaches, such as Brisbane's Chris Fagan, have noted that such stunts can inadvertently motivate rivals. Whether these traditions provide a genuine competitive edge or merely invite ridicule remains a subject of debate.
Original article: ABC Australia – Science — Aussie Rules History of Failed Crowd Gimmicks