Cody Simpson, the swimmer-turned-singer, captivated audiences with his performance of Australia's National Anthem at the AFL Grand Final, held at Melbourne's MCG. Many fans praised his heartfelt rendition, with comments on social media expressing that it was one of the best versions of the anthem they've heard, even giving some 'goosebumps'. Despite his success, some viewers offered backhanded compliments, noting he was a better singer than swimmer, especially after his failure to qualify for the Paris Olympics this year. Cody, who transitioned to music after a brief swimming career, had previously gained fame through YouTube and won a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. The performance garnered calls for him to return for future events, highlighting the audience's appreciation. Overall, while the reception was largely positive, a few critics suggested he could improve by including more of the anthem in future performances.