Christine Anu and her daughter Zipporah Corser-Anu will also perform on the day, as will Mike Brady, whose Up There Cazaly was first part of the grand final entertainment program in 1979 and has featured regularly over the past decade. Swimmer-turned-pop star-turned-swimmer Cody Simpson will sing the national anthem.

There has been plenty of excitement about Perry’s performance since it was announced in July. One of the best-selling musical artists in history, she is a real get for the AFL – a genuine superstar to cement the grand final’s growing reputation for presenting high-quality international musical guests.

Loading

But there has also been some trepidation, as Perry’s publicity has never been worse. Trading in the bubblegum pop of her heyday for electro-heavy dance-pop, her new album 143 has been savaged by critics (this masthead’s reviewer labelled it “a colossal misstep from which Perry’s career may never recover”). It has flopped on the charts, and its rollout has been marred by mockery and scandal.

The first single, Woman’s World, and its accompanying music video copped particularly pointed criticism, being labelled as confusing and out-of-step with modern pop and feminist politics.

Reports surfaced this week that the AFL had requested Perry perform only her earlier, more popular work. Footy journalist Tom Morris told SEN a compromise had been reached, and she would play just one song from the new album.

That wouldn’t be unusual, though. KISS performed just three old classics last year and Robbie Williams did one “obligatory new song”, joking with the crowd they would “get through it together”. Notably, Perry also performed only one song from 143 during her lengthy medley at the VMAs, and omitted lead single Woman’s World.

Not coincidentally, Perry’s upcoming Lifetimes tour was announced this week, with presales from Friday. It’s her first Australian tour in six years and will hit Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth next June. But even that is being sold on the strength of the classics.

“It’s a party and you’re all invited!” Perry said when announcing the tour. “Get ready for a high-energy singalong to all your faves.”

Our Breaking News Alert will notify you of significant breaking news when it happens. Get it here.