AFL anthem singer returns to grand final after recovering from 12 fractures

Singer-songwriter Mike Brady returned to the AFL grand-final stage after recovering from 12 fractures sustained in a fall during an evening walk in January. The 78-year-old injured his leg, ankle and foot near his home on the Great Ocean Road. He said he had to reposition his ankle before reaching a nearby fire station, leaving a trail of blood and mud behind him.

After spending five months in hospital, Brady returned home in a wheelchair and gradually progressed to crutches and then a walking stick. Doctors had warned him not to push himself and indicated that walking again could take considerable time. When the AFL asked whether he could perform, Brady said he would be there even if he had to crawl onto the stage.

He ultimately walked out without his stick on September 26 to perform Up There Cazaly, the unofficial football anthem he first sang at the 1979 VFL grand final. Brady said the crowd’s reaction gave him confidence during the performance. He began singing normally, then felt able to sing with greater force as the audience responded.

The song has been associated with the AFL grand final for decades, although other performers have also been involved over the years. Brady said he hoped to perform at the next two grand finals, taking the song to its 50th anniversary and marking his own 80th birthday. He moved to Melbourne from England at the age of 11 and had not attended a full AFL game when he was asked to create music to promote the Victorian Football League.

He said performing the song in 1979 made him feel accepted in Australia. During his recovery, Brady continued writing poetry and music. He said the latest performance reaffirmed his connection with the anthem and the supporters who have embraced it.