Pop legend and AFL fan Robbie Williams tuned in to watch Carlton’s unthinkable comeback victory over the Brisbane Lions last Friday night, and has now requested the Blues send him a new set of fans.
Williams is one of the best-selling artists and songwriters of all time and, with 14 number one hits, stands as one of the greatest solo artists in history.
He is also a mad Carlton fan and often posts clips on social media of himself watching matches on his laptop while traveling the world.
Technically, Williams’ association with Carlton began in 2012, when Australian musician and friend Tim Metcalfe gave him a t-shirt.
But his love for the Blues really began during his trip to Australia in 2022, when he provided pre-game and half-time entertainment at the AFL grand final.
Carlton fan Robbie Williams was hugely impressed with Friday night’s result as his Blues staged a huge comeback to beat Brisbane.
The Blues completely turned the tables on the Lions to steal a famous victory, but the scoreline wasn’t the only thing that caught the pop star’s attention (pictured, Carlton star Harry McKay).
Carlton’s 13.8 (86) to 12.13 (85) victory was their first at the Gabba in more than a decade and ended the Lions’ 14-match home winning streak stretching back to round 23 of 2022.
A section of Carlton fans among the Gabba crowd dressed in Blues Brothers outfits, rivaling the suits and iconic fedora hats John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd wore during the 1980 cult film.
Williams liked what he saw Friday night and took a moment to post it on social media while sending a message to Blues coach Michael Voss.
“I want one of those tops,” he said after watching Carlton kick the winner.
‘After all, I’m the global ambassador, so I need one of these t-shirts.
‘Can I have one of those blouses, please, Vossy? Let’s go guys!’
The Lions were clinical with seven goals in the first quarter and it looked like an easy night for the hosts in the preliminary final replay.
But after a perfect season at the Gabba in 2023, they stumbled.
Williams’ association with Carlton began in 2012 and he is now a huge fan (pictured with former AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan in 2022).
A probable torn ACL of crucial Lions defender Keidean Coleman appeared to slow the momentum of last year’s losing grand finalists, and the Blues felt their moment.
They kicked eight in a row before the teams played a tense, swinging final quarter, opened by McKay, who waged a torrid battle with Harris Andrews all night.
The visitors’ run began when Zac Bailey failed to hear the whistle and was penalized for running into an open goal, with a 50-metre penalty leading to Charlie Curnow’s second of four goals.
Curnow quickly added another before Jack Payne’s risky kick-off failed and Matthew Kennedy scored the Blues’ fifth straight goal.
After Curnow’s third goal in seven minutes, the Lions’ basic errors helped Carlton to two more majors and a surprising three-point lead.
In between, there were eight in a row from the Lions, who lost their composure and radar.
Joe Daniher had his head in his hands when he ignored an open Lincoln McCarthy in front of goal and shot wide and Charlie Cameron missed a simple shot to give the Blues a one-point lead at the final break.
The Gabba thriller marked Carlton’s first win in Brisbane in more than a decade.
The lead changed three times in the final quarter, with Patrick Cripps stepping up to cancel out Bailey’s early goal.
Cameron picked up Adam Saad’s mark and threaded the needle for a five-point lead with eight minutes left.
Then the points dried up, until McKay held his nerve from 40 meters at a slight angle to set up victory.
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan delivered the likely verdict on Coleman but wasn’t so sure why his team let their big lead slip.
‘Our pressure… disappeared. I don’t know where that third quarter came from, I’d be interested in talking to the players about that,” he said, lamenting some missed opportunities late in the half.
“I think they came into halftime thinking they had a little sniff.”