Footy Personalities: Forced Upon Us

[craigos]

Unfortunately I think it's a large percentage of the mouth breathers that cause this issue. If someone like Matt Granland (who is exceptional) was commentating they'd be all up in arms because "he's never played the game, what does he know". The same rubbish the Huddo cops.

Even though these armchair experts greatest achievement in life is getting called up to divvy 3 seniors once or twice a year.

 

[deltablues]

I note with interest that the latest radio survey ratings are in, and they don't paint a pretty picture for SEN, and specifically, the much publicized return of Garry Lyon to broadcasting in their morning team.

I'm sure you can find a news service of your choice to give you the figures (SEN share dropped from 3.8 to 2.5) - but it got me thinking about the complete inability of the fourth estate to realise that what they say is a valid opinion, doesn't make it a valid opinion.

Specifically in this case, that of Garry Lyon.

I'm not really interested in the drama that caused his sabbatical in the first place, but his return was heralded as some sort of massive homecoming for one of the best voices in football.

Hang on - when did that happen? At what point did Garry Lyon become some sort of ultimate football authority? His crowning achievement post a decent (if not great) playing career is hosting a show more about buffoonery and entertainment than footy.

And yet we're told by the greater rumblings of the industry that this is a voice to be listened to.

The problem as I see it though, is that your serious football fans tend to reject those that don't really deserve such accolades.

When Matthew Lloyd talks about a forwards craft, leading, goal kicking technique - I listen.

When Brian Lake talks about the subtleties of team defense, playing in front of an opponent - I listen.

When a man who never seemed to have the proverbial stones to coach himself attempts to analyse the errors made by actual coaches, well...

So my question I suppose is, why does the industry insist on pushing people who clearly don't have the support of the wider football public?

Craig Hutchison is one of the most thoroughly dislikable people in football, and yet is hosting The Footy Show.

Hamish McLachlan is, well Rompingwins.

Is it just a lack of talent in broadcasting today? Or are media outlets convinced they can simply push what they like under our noses?

We now have inarticulate ex-jocks who sound like Western Suburbs butcher boy castratatos, speaking 24 to the dozen, and who can't believe their good luck in finding a new career in media, focusing on the lowest common denominator.

 

[Runnin Blue]

Correct on all three counts

If you can correctly categorise Basil Zempilas and "Broken Glass" Carey then you can play for the showcase

Basil wasn't even on my radar until I started seeing his name being ridiculed on here all the time. I don't know enough about him (perk of watching only Foxtel?).

Carey, well, I think they feel obligated to give him a job despite being an awful person because of his exploits on the field. The only analogy I can think of is Michael Jackson. Questionable character but God damn, could he make good tunes. Conflicted.

Spoiler

I wouldn't leave Carey alone with my children either.

 

[Starburns_]

Carey, well, I think they feel obligated to give him a job despite being an awful person because of his exploits on the field. The only analogy I can think of is Michael Jackson. Questionable character but God damn, could he make good tunes. Conflicted.

Spoiler

I wouldn't leave Carey alone with my children either.

Spoiler

I wouldn't leave Hamish alone with my dog either.

 

[basashi]

Unfortunately I think it's a large percentage of the mouth breathers that cause this issue. If someone like Matt Granland (who is exceptional) was commentating they'd be all up in arms because "he's never played the game, what does he know". The same rubbish the Huddo cops.

Even though these armchair experts greatest achievement in life is getting called up to divvy 3 seniors once or twice a year.

Of course you are qualified to make that comment because of all those brownlows you won...

 

[basashi]

Basil wasn't even on my radar until I started seeing his name being ridiculed on here all the time. I don't know enough about him (perk of watching only Foxtel?).

Carey, well, I think they feel obligated to give him a job despite being an awful person because of his exploits on the field. The only analogy I can think of is Michael Jackson. Questionable character but God damn, could he make good tunes. Conflicted.

Spoiler

I wouldn't leave Carey alone with my children either.

Close ... might have to send it to the line judge

The correct answer is that Zempilas is a poorly informed buffoon who would be better replaced by a chimp with a set of bongos and Carey is a sh1t bloke who should slink off into obscurity with nothing but memories and bad habits to console him.

 

[Sttew]

Anyone mention Terry "The list manager" Wallace??

What an absolute moron.

His voice grates on my nerves. Did he cop damage to the voice box at some stage?

 

[Beerfish]

His voice grates on my nerves. Did he cop damage to the voice box at some stage?

2 packs a day will do that to you.

 

[Runnin Blue]

His voice grates on my nerves. Did he cop damage to the voice box at some stage?

I'm pretty sure he had some kind of mouth injury that required some reconstructive surgery (teeth maybe?), but I don't think it affected his voice. He just naturally sounds like a man on hormone pills.

 

[Plugger35]

His voice grates on my nerves. Did he cop damage to the voice box at some stage?

Yeah he's hard to listen to as he always sounds like a guy that's straining to talk with a sore throat.

He tends to be more knowledgeable and less boys club than some of the other footy media muppets though and at least he had the stones to put his reputation on the line by coaching unlike other so called experts like Lyon, Carey and Healy.

 

[Sttew]

He tends to be more knowledgeable and less boys club than some of the other footy media muppets though and at least he had the stones to put his reputation on the line by coaching unlike other so called experts like Lyon, Carey and Healy.

And the biggest 'expert' never to coach, David King

 

[BF Tiger]

Campbell Brown!
Someone please save me.
He was a relatively good player (not a great one), but given that a huge number of AFL players have had better careers and were better players...why is he festooned upon us?
He was on that failure of a show "The Verdict". He tried to swim the English Channel (but failed). He somehow was the Kabbadi (sport from India) captain of Australia in the last Kabbadi World Cup - we were rubbish at it. He's on betting ads. During the Melbourne Cup carnival he turns up and gets interviewed.
Ahhh, can he just go away. Go get a job Campbell - sell shoes, open a cafe...anything! Just stay out of the media please.

I think Campbell gets the job because he's willing to play the fool (see image) when required, and that buys him some extra screen time when they need a "personality".

 

[Whos_Your_Caddy]

Interesting that on radio, most callers do a great job because they call the game. Whereas on telly we are subjected to everyone's opinion on why this or that is doing one thing or the other while the game is in progress.
Why do we need so many commentators on the telly anyway?
Have said it before but the interviews with players and coaches walking off the ground or to their huddles are so pathetic and a waste of oxygen. What is the benefit of asking stupid rhetorical questions at EVERY break in EVERY game. Also had enough of player interviews from the winning team post game say "credit to them" (the opposition). Seriously? What a crock.

If somewhere out there provided a service for an English football style call with one commentator calling the play by play and one special comments I'd sign up in a heartbeat.

 

[Whos_Your_Caddy]

Somewhere in the search for ratings good commentary was lost in the search for 'entertainment', if nothing else I point to the brownlow coverage, you know that function they have to award the best and fairest player in the competition. Somewhere in the pre ample we were subjected to Hamish Mclaughlin and Andrew Welsh possibly riding around on motor bikes in suits and that is where I turned it off.

It seems like it is possible to fail upwards too, as unless I am missing something Zempalis has continued to be inept regardless of what new jobs he gets but he just keeps on getting them. I've seen more upbeat chatter at a visit to the in laws than his calling of the Olympic swimming. After his cross to the Greater Western Sydney box last year when just after the bulldogs had scored a goal Basil said "We now cross to Western Bullodogs coach Leon Cameron, that was a good settler for you guys wasn't it". If you were ever going to fire someone mid coverage that was the time.

Am I missing something? Where is channel 7 doing their research to get positive feedback about the Saturday 'arvo' team? Are they not paying them and this is why? The mind boggles.

 

[guruisatiger]

When Gerard Healy is commentating a Richmond game, I hit mute and watch the game with Dark Side Of The Moon playing.

Mullumbimby madness

 

[Vintage]

Dunstall gets my vote - I really enjoy listening to him

 

[schmuttt]

And the biggest 'expert' never to coach, David King

Was an assistant coach at Richmond for a bit iirc.

I actually miss the old 10 team. Christian is the most underrated caller in the game imo, Walls I remember a lot more fondly when I compare him to the current special comments and Lane/Huddo/Quarters meant you'd always get good play by play.

 

[Thrawn]

Dunstall gets my vote - I really enjoy listening to him

Especially when he fights with Quartermain.

 

[Plugger35]

Was an assistant coach at Richmond for a bit iirc.

I actually miss the old 10 team. Christian is the most underrated caller in the game imo, Walls I remember a lot more fondly when I compare him to the current special comments and Lane/Huddo/Quarters meant you'd always get good play by play.

Yeah the Ch10 Saturday night coverage was far superior to the Ch7 Saturday night coverage with BT, Darcy and co, it's a pity they lost the rights.

 

[TheInjuryFactory]

Was an assistant coach at Richmond for a bit iirc.

I actually miss the old 10 team. Christian is the most underrated caller in the game imo, Walls I remember a lot more fondly when I compare him to the current special comments and Lane/Huddo/Quarters meant you'd always get good play by play.

Spot on with Christian.

 

[jesterwester]

One of the best reasons to enjoy Collingwood's struggles under Buckley (pulling your legs here Pies supporters), is that it ought to mean the return of Buckley to the commentary box

My favourite special comments man, with daylight second

The glory years of a more restrained Bruce, Dennis, Matthews in his prime and Buckley nailing the tactical and football skill analysis on a Friday night coinciding with the Saints run in 2009 made football the best

I agree completely- take whatever opinion you want of his FIGJAM playing days, or his coaching role at the pies; one thing is immediately obvious- he genuinely loves his footy. As such, he did the research on top of his obvious footy knowledge to make his special comments worth listening to.

I hope he does go back to commentating, if/when his coaching career comes to an end.

 

[Stan_Darsh72]

Dunstall gets my vote - I really enjoy listening to him

The only issue with Dunstall i have found is that sometimes he is too biased against the hawks.

He is trying too hard to not be biased at times.

A very small complaint admittedly

 

[TheInjuryFactory]

Spoiler

I wouldn't leave Hamish alone with my dog either.

I'd let him have his way with my wikipedia page.

 

[Hellgood]

The ones who actually watch the games don't bother me, even if their opinions are crap.

You can tell that so many don't even watch every game. I'm sorry, but if you aren't watching 9 games a week, gtfo! It's haardly deep seam mining.

Agreed goes even further than that, I'm pretty pragmatci about the media and accept that commentators/experts are talking from a variety of opinions and contexts, but it absolutely shits me when there's this attitude of being too cool to watch every game. It's their job to understand the cutting edge of the game and it's tactics.

 

[rumply]

He's the most critical, negative, draining guy to listen to. Can really bring down the excitement of a footy match. And every third word is "ahhh" which makes him sound like a moron.

That he is - the '93GF & Longy tears through the middle, bounces & sidesteps a few times & pings one from 35ish that SOS may or may not have touched, goal umpy's in perfect position & calls it a goal, but oh no, who starts having a whinge that it 'may have been touched' & 'that player Long may have run too far'? Yes Bighead himself, he who rarely makes time for the positive & only looks to criticise & undercut, so of course it is left to others in the box to articulate the brilliance of the play that had just unfolded.

Gerard the Spanker.