AFL fans have been puzzled by a sound on TV broadcasts for 45 years – and now the mystery has finally been solved

For almost five decades, AFL fans have been left puzzled by a strange siren call that has echoed around footy grounds during match broadcasts – and now the mystery has finally been solved.

While the NRL has the phantom siren, AKA Gosh Daher, who has fooled footy fans, players and even officials by mimicking the fulltime hooter, the AFL has the Whoo-Whoo Lady.

Wherever Collingwood plays, fans can hear her call every time the opposition is trying to work the ball out of pressure following a Pies behind. 

Now her identity has been revealed as she explained why she has been making the booming sound for more than 40 years. 

‘My name’s Leanne, I’m known as the siren lady, the whoo-whoo lady or the ambulance lady,’ the Magpies fanatic said on TikTok.

‘I’ve been doing it for 45 years.

Footy fans at the ground and watching on television have heard a strange siren sound at Collingwood matches for the last 45 years – and here’s the woman behind it 

Collingwood superfan Leanne (pictured) has been revealed as the voice behind the strange siren sound, which she uses to put the opposition off their game

‘It’s for when the players on our side kick a point [a behind], and then the opposition is kicking back in.

‘Because it’s to try and distract them, put them off. The players have told me they love it.’  

While the players may love it, there are plenty of opposition supporters who can’t stand it. There is even a Reddit thread on annoying fans and Leanne and her siren sound is at the very top.

‘At all Collingwood games in Victoria – and most away games – one of the cheer squad members makes the loudest, most annoying siren-like sound until the moment the opposition player has disposed of the ball,’ a footy fan posted. 

‘It’s one of those little things that is close to the most annoying part of any game.’

Others commented on the TikTok post, accusing the diehard Collingwood supporter of ruining the spectacle for others.

‘No consideration for anyone nearby regardless of who they barracking for,’ one posted.

‘I wish I never heard it because now I hear it all the time,’ another wrote. 

Leanne uses the sound to put off opposition players and says the Pies have told her that they love it

Leanne has heard all the hate before, though, and it doesn’t faze her. 

‘I don’t even realise I am doing it now, I just get up and do it,’ she said.

‘I’m sorry for the people that hate it and I know it’s very loud.

‘But it something that I just can’t, when I come to think about it, trying to stop. I can’t.’

Now that her identity has been revealed, Leanne is collecting new fans of her distinctive sound.

‘See, now I know the reason behind it, it’s less annoying. There’s a purpose and a passion there. Generally only hear it on TV for Marvel games but I’ll listen out for it now I know the reason,’ one fan commented.

‘This fan’s energy is absolutely contagious! You can feel the passion radiating through their cheers, truly bringing the game to life,’ added another.

A Collingwood supporter also posted: ‘This fan’s energy is absolutely contagious! You can feel the passion radiating through their cheers, truly bringing the game to life. Go Pies.’