There’s nothing quite like the roar of a packed AFL ground. Whether you’re standing on the terraces at the MCG, crammed into the outer at the SCG, or huddled under the roof at Marvel Stadium, the sound of 50,000 voices singing, chanting, and yelling is what makes footy feel like more than just a game. It’s a shared experience—a living, breathing performance where the crowd is just as important as the players.
But here’s the thing: great atmosphere doesn’t just happen by accident. It’s built. It’s learned. It’s passed down from generation to generation. And if you’re new to the game—or you’ve been sitting quietly in the stands wondering how to join in—this guide is for you.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to pick up the most common AFL chants, when to start them, how to avoid the cringey ones, and how to become the kind of fan that makes opposition players dread coming to your home ground. We’re talking practical, real-world stuff that works whether you’re at a local club game or a grand final.
Let’s get into it.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before you start belting out chants, there are a few things that’ll make your experience smoother—and more enjoyable for everyone around you.
A voice (even a bad one) – Seriously. Nobody cares if you can sing. AFL crowds aren’t auditioning for The Voice. Volume and enthusiasm count for way more than pitch.
Knowledge of your club’s song – Every AFL club has a team song. You don’t need to know all the verses, but you should know the chorus. It’s the one thing every fan can sing together after a goal or a win.
A basic understanding of the game’s flow – You don’t need to be a tactics expert, but knowing when a goal is scored, when a free kick is controversial, or when the umpire has made a shocker helps you time your chants.
Respect for the people around you – This is the big one. Not everyone wants to hear constant screaming. Know your audience. If you’re in the family section, maybe save the creative swearing for the outer.
Optional: a scarf, a beanie, or face paint – Not required, but it helps you get into the spirit. Plus, it makes you instantly identifiable as a supporter.
Step 1: Learn Your Club’s Victory Song (And When to Sing It)
This is the foundation of everything. Every AFL club has a distinctive victory song—usually played over the PA system after a win. But real fans don’t wait for the speakers. They sing it themselves after every goal.
How to do it: Wait until your team kicks a goal. As the ball sails through, start clapping. Then, as the players celebrate, launch into the chorus of your club’s song. Don’t worry if you’re a few beats behind the rest of the crowd—everyone is. That’s part of the charm.
Pro tip: If you’re a new fan, listen to your club’s song a few times before game day—you’ll be surprised how quickly it sticks in your head. For example, Richmond’s “Yellow and Black” is a fan favourite that many supporters find easy to remember.
Common mistake: Singing the song when your team has only kicked a behind. That’s a six-pointer only. Don’t be that person.
Step 2: Master the Classic “AFL Chant” (The One That Never Gets Old)
You know the one. It’s simple. It’s loud. And it’s used by every club in the league.
The chant: Just repeat your team’s name or nickname over and over, clapping in rhythm. For example: “Essendon! clap clap clap Essendon! clap clap clap Essendon!”
When to use it:
- When your team is mounting a comeback
- When the opposition is on the defensive and you want to rattle them
- When the umpire makes a decision you disagree with (but keep it clean)
Common mistake: Starting the chant too early in the game. Save it for the big moments. If you’re chanting “Collingwood! Collingwood!” in the first five minutes of the first quarter, you’ll have nothing left for the final siren.
Step 3: Use the “Olé” Chant (But Only When It Fits)
This one has crossed over from soccer, but it’s become a staple at AFL grounds—especially when a team is dominating possession and playing keepings-off.
The chant: “Olé, olé, olé, olé…” sung to the tune of a famous football anthem.
When to use it:
- When your team is stringing together 10+ uncontested handballs in a row
- When the opposition can’t get their hands on the ball
- When you want to mock the other team’s inability to win it back
Common mistake: Using it against a team that’s about to score. Nothing kills a chant faster than a turnover and a goal at the other end.
Step 4: Start a “C’mon [Team Name]” Wave
This is the most basic crowd ritual, but it’s also the most effective for building momentum.
How to do it: Stand up, raise your arms, and shout “C’mon [team name]!” as loud as you can. Then sit down. The people around you will follow. Then the next section. Then the next. Before you know it, the whole stadium is doing it.
When to use it:
- After a close call that went your way
- When your team is about to take a crucial free kick
- When the opposition is setting up for a shot on goal (to distract them)
Common mistake: Trying to start a Mexican wave during a tense moment. Mexican waves are for when your team is winning comfortably. In a close game, they’re seen as disrespectful to the contest.
Step 5: Know the “Umpire Chants” (But Keep Them Respectful)
Let’s be honest—umpires cop it at every game. But there’s a difference between good-natured banter and outright abuse.
The classic chant: “Umpire, you’re a [insert polite word here]!” Or the simpler: “Booo!”
When to use it:
- After a controversial free kick
- When the umpire misses a clear holding-the-ball decision
- When your team has had 10 more free kicks against them than the opposition (which feels like every week)
Common mistake: Singling out an umpire by name or using personal insults. Not only is it poor sportsmanship, but it can get you ejected from the ground. Remember: the umpires are human. They make mistakes. Move on.
Step 6: Create Your Own Club-Specific Chants
This is where you go from casual fan to legend. Every great AFL club has unique chants that belong only to them.
Examples:
- Richmond: “Yellow and Black!” (sung to the tune of “Yellow Submarine”)
- Collingwood: “Good old Collingwood forever…” (their victory song, sung after every goal)
- West Coast: “Eagles! Eagles! Eagles!” (simple, but effective)
- Fremantle: “Freo! Freo! Freo!” (often accompanied by a sea of purple)
Pro tip: If you’re at a local club game, start a chant that references a specific player. For example: “He kicks goals, he scores points, [player name] is the king of the joint!” The players will hear it, and it’ll fire them up.
Common mistake: Making the chant too complicated. If people can’t remember the words after one listen, it won’t catch on. Keep it to one or two lines max.
Step 7: Use Silence as a Weapon
Not every great crowd moment is loud. Sometimes, the most intimidating thing you can do is be completely silent.
When to use silence:
- When the opposition is taking a set shot for goal (especially in a close game)
- When the umpire is about to make a big decision
- When your team is in a huddle and you want to show respect
Common mistake: Staying silent for too long. Silence should be a tool, not a mood. If your team is losing and the crowd goes quiet, it can feel like defeat. Use it sparingly.
Step 8: Join the Post-Goal Celebrations
When your team kicks a goal, the crowd doesn’t just clap—they erupt. This is your moment to let loose.
How to do it:
- Stand up
- Throw your arms in the air
- Shout “GOAL!” as loud as you can
- High-five the people next to you (strangers welcome)
- Sing the team song
Common mistake: Celebrating too early. If the ball is still in the air, don’t start cheering until it’s through the goals. Nothing worse than celebrating a point.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes
Pro Tips:
- Learn the umpire signals – Knowing why a free kick was paid helps you time your boos perfectly.
- Bring a friend – It’s easier to start a chant when you have backup. Two voices are louder than one.
- Watch the cheer squad – The people with the banners and flags usually start the chants. Follow their lead.
- Stay hydrated – Shouting for four quarters is exhausting. Bring water.
- Respect the opposition – You can be passionate without being nasty. The best atmosphere comes from rivalry, not hatred.
- Starting a chant when the ball is in play – Nobody will join you. They’re watching the game.
- Singing the wrong team’s song – It happens. Own it. Laugh it off.
- Yelling at players by name – It’s fine to cheer for your team, but calling out opposition players personally is bad form.
- Forgetting the final siren – The best chant of all is the victory song after the game. Don’t leave early.
Checklist Summary
Here’s your quick-reference list for game day:
- Learn your club’s victory song (chorus at minimum)
- Practice the classic “team name” chant with clapping
- Know when to use “Olé” (only when winning)
- Master the “C’mon [team]” wave for momentum
- Keep umpire chants brief and respectful
- Create one simple, club-specific chant
- Use silence to build tension before big moments
- Stand and celebrate every goal
- Follow the cheer squad’s lead
- Stay until the final siren and sing the song
AFL crowds are some of the most passionate in the world. From the roar of a packed stadium to the electric atmosphere of a big final, Australian sports fans know how to make noise. And footy is no different.
Whether you’re at a local club game or a packed stadium, your voice matters. It can lift your team, unsettle the opposition, and create memories that last a lifetime. So next time you’re at the ground, don’t just sit there—join in. Sing. Shout. Chant. Be part of the atmosphere.
And if you’re looking for more ways to get involved with the game, check out our guide to the ANZAC Day match tradition or our AFL season preview tips to get ready for the next round.
See you at the footy.
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