Opinion Tom Harley

[dazbroncos]

The ultimate football mercinary IMO, and I'm sorry to say that, another Bomber.

Has lost my respect as an ex-Geelong captain, his extreme nuetrality when our blokes are under heavy fire or ripped off from both opposition and umpires is sickening.

The way he couldn't wait to hose down that late Lenny Hayes high contact on Taylor Hunt was disgusting, there was a couple of extra steps in that one, fortunately no broken jaw!

He's just another hip pocket commentator these days.

I said a similar thing in a different thread... Harls is mid 30's with 30 years in the business in front of him - so of course he is not going to rock the boat - as completely frustrating as it is -. That said, it does not diminish in any way what he did for the club as a player. If he got up at a Geelong function and rolled out the Cats bashing I would change my tune - but in his professional media environment he is going to be reserved and calculating to teh extreme - even if it means downplaying incidents relating to his former club.

I also believe as time goes by he may become more pro geelong as his tenure becomes a little more stable...

Go Catters

 

[Siamese Cat]

Perhaps he is is going for a role within the AFL?

You'd think so, wouldn't you. A legend for our club, but there's a bit of school prefect in him as well.

 

[Silverado]

Also don't recall a Christiansen on our list either, although every commentator calls his name week in week out.
Strange.

This grates on my nerves! It's just lazy enunciation, they wouldn't dare to be.so lazy with the name of a "superstar"

 

[marshhhhh]

This grates on my nerves! It's just lazy enunciation, they wouldn't dare to be.so lazy with the name of a "superstar"

And personally, I find it easier to say "ten" than "tian"

 

[thegerman]

Is this Bay 13? Insulting a poster's intellect on their own board just because they show a bit bias is as simple minded as it comes.

Yeah seems to have the post removed. Unfortunately, making up a story of an 'optical illusion' is enough of a winning argument for me. Sheezsh enough science there to prove a lot of things wrong. Seems as though Hawk supporters know more than everyone.

 

[caitsith01]

Harls is mid 30's with 30 years in the business in front of him - so of course he is not going to rock the boat - as completely frustrating as it is

Don't agree with this. If he commentates with no personality like a super-neutral robot, he is disposable. If he commentates with a bit of actual personality and passion, he becomes unique and sets himself up for a long career.

Do you reckon guys like Dennis got to where they are by being the world's most boring, unopinionated commentators?

The Taylor Hunt effort was pathetic. He spent ages trying to get an opposition player off the hook a few games back too. He could at least have the decency to shut up in these situations.

Sometimes I think Leading Teams turned him into a corporate "leadership" drone.

 

[marshhhhh]

Do you reckon guys like Dennis got to where they are by being the world's most boring, unopinionated commentators?

Dennis has never really been a hard-hitting, opinionated commentator.
Dennis an the like are where they are because they are good commentators, Harley is not.

 

[marshhhhh]

heck me.
Tom Harley has his head more up Sydney's arse than Paul Roos today.
It's painful.

 

[Senatorguesty]

heck me.
Tom Harley has his head more up Sydney's arse than Paul Roos today.
It's painful.

His calling of the game is GODAWFUL.
Really losing respect for him... (after footy wise)

 

[vealesy]

His calling of the game is GODAWFUL.
Really losing respect for him... (after footy wise)

Agreed.

 

[mcwilrob]

His calling of the game is GODAWFUL.
Really losing respect for him... (after footy wise)

I can't listen to him anymore without getting REALLY angry - I get a radio stream and watch with that as audio. If you put the stream into something like Quicktime player you can adjust the sync timing to work...

 

[PoidaCat]

I wont be taking Swiss Multivitamins if this is what it does to me.

 

[InnocentBystandr]

He annoyed me a lot today. Malthouse is Malthouse, so I expect his anti-Geelong bile (except at the very end where he starts sucking up), but for crying out loud Tom, you are a dual Premiership Geelong captain - you are allowed, nay, expected, to sound like one!

 

[OldStyle2007]

On the weekend he said that Grundy had nothing to worry about and that Chappy was in trouble

So there is no doubt he is overdoing it. He just needs to relax and stop worrying about what everyone thinks about him as an ex Geelong player

 

[Partridge]

You'd think so, wouldn't you. A legend for our club, but there's a bit of school prefect in him as well.

No coincidence. He is from Adelaide don't forget.

 

[you pick one]

I wont be taking Swiss Multivitamins if this is what it does to me.

He needs to take Bobby pills.

 

[Geelong_Sicko]

He needs to take Bobby pills.

Fair dinkum? Unbelievable!!

 

[Siamese Cat]

I can't listen to him anymore without getting REALLY angry - I get a radio stream and watch with that as audio. If you put the stream into something like Quicktime player you can adjust the sync timing to work...

thanks for the excellent tip. That makes a real difference. I just can't take the tv commentary any more.

 

[Tom Harley]

Hello Tom Harley here...

It seems a few of you dislike my commentary, which is admittedly, a blow to my self esteem. I've worked immensely hard on my ability to understand all areas of the games, something my wonderful colleague Leigh Matthews has helped me with. As for my apparent favouritism of some sides, my wife follows Sydney and therefore I certainly have a soft spot for them..

I suppose not many of you understand how a commentary team works. Bruce and Dennis call the action, while Leigh and myself add expert opinions. It may seem like my comments are slightly "on the fence", but that is only because I'm a fan of the game first and foremost.

A few words of advice on how I can improve would be nice, rather than just attacking me..

- Tom.

 

[proboy]

Hello Tom Harley here...

It seems a few of you dislike my commentary, which is admittedly, a blow to my self esteem. I've worked immensely hard on my ability to understand all areas of the games, something my wonderful colleague Leigh Matthews has helped me with. As for my apparent favouritism of some sides, my wife follows Sydney and therefore I certainly have a soft spot for them..

I suppose not many of you understand how a commentary team works. Bruce and Dennis call the action, while Leigh and myself add expert opinions. It may seem like my comments are slightly "on the fence", but that is only because I'm a fan of the game first and foremost.

A few words of advice on how I can improve would be nice, rather than just attacking me..

- Tom.

OK ill be first
umm quit your job and go work for your wifes magazine

 

[Tom Harley]

OK ill be first
umm quit your job and go work for your wifes magazine

I'll be doing some freelance stuff for her magazine soon, mainly on mens health and fashion. If you were't aware, proboy, I'm a big fan of Swiss Multivitamins.

 

[proboy]

I'll be doing some freelance stuff for her magazine soon, mainly on mens health and fashion. If you were't aware, proboy, I'm a big fan of Swiss Multivitamins.

I was wondering if you are going to branch out into shampoo adds?

 

[Tom Harley]

I was wondering if you are going to branch out into shampoo adds?

Very clever...

 

[Stocks_go_Up]

Very clever...

You should be in bed son.

 

[Belisarius]

Tom you come across as just a yes man to those that do have opinions as they commentate a game.

I am sorry to say but you are bland. I really do not see what you add to the commentary - there is no real opinion - just agreement.

I respect you enormously as a player and captain - and really, I hope, that is why you were hired as a commentator. To get insight into being a modern day player and captain - and having the inside on what really goes on behind closed doors at a footy club.

I might be wrong (as far as what Channel 7 want) - but I think you need be more opinionated - particularly as the other commentators have either not played AFL or have been out of the game for awhile. You need to be your own man - and just say it as you see it more. Surely you have some differing opinions or insights to the others at Channel 7 ?

You have to play it as you see fit - I am no commentator - but sadly I agree with much that has been written on this Board. Don't be different for the sake of being different but don't be just an echo of other commentators either.

Don't think - Do.

You will never please all the fans watching no matter what you say. Just as long as you know the special comments you make are true for you - regardless of whether they align with other commenators on with you. That you are not just agreeing because that is the team thing to do.

You come across as a really team orientated player - and in this case (commentating) too team orientated at this stage of your career. And that is understandable. You seem unsure of yourself, and hence, unwilling to take a chance when it presents itself. Just like many inexperienced AFL players - not wishing to blow their chances of becoming a regular senior player. Sometimes you just have to take a stand as an individual and bring to the game what makes you a worthwhile team member. And that will be different for each player or commentator.

I wish you well in your endeavours and trust you will grow into the position - as you did at GFC.