Boy oh boy, wowee! I hope you like never-ending exclamations of excitement Roarers, because here’s some news that will certainly prompt one – a replacement has been found for the legendary Dennis Commetti on Friday night footy, and it’s Big Boy Brian Taylor!
No, this isn’t a satire article. The silky smooth sound of Commetti on that has guided us through decades and will forever remain instantly recognisable for generations past and present is set to be replaced by big, boisterous BT.
Taylor will also take over Commetti’s responsibilities on Sunday afternoon games, and is likely to be replaced on Saturday by Basil Zempilas, teaming up with Luke Darcy. At least, that’s the line-up that Channel 7 are expected to confirm in the near future, as reported by the Herald Sun.
Social media response to the news has been mixed to say the least, in that it’s a mix between open despair, quiet desperation, and that one guy who actually likes BT (there’s one in any given group of footy-lovers).
Well Roarers, hopefully you’re a fan of bizarre nicknames repeated ad nauseam, and voracious, passionate opinions about whether the ball was out of bounds. If you’re not, you might want to watch Friday night footy with the mute button on in 2017.
Batman
Guest
Spot on. He is an immature bore who detracts from the actual game.
bobburra
Guest
In TV technology terms, the greatest invention of all time will be used a lot on Friday nights now, I fere to the MUTE button. Brian Taylor calling football anytime/ anywhere is a turn off for me. He is a good caller when he just sticks to calling the play but he mucks it all up with his useless "chatter" while play is in progress. Over the years I have occassionally turned the sound on to see if he has changed, but no, same ols,same old. Lokks like I will be listening to the ABC to actually hear the play/ commentary.
Brendon the 1st
Guest
It is a sweet moustache Macho macho man I want to be, a macho man
Brendon the 1st
Guest
Did you just knock the Cometti? Shame, shame, shame
Brendon the 1st
Guest
Yes, that would be amazing, game day Roar. Yes please, get Lemon on for a laugh.
Brendon the 1st
Guest
Darcy is the worst for calling for player suspensions, hypocrite. Perhaps that's why he called netball for a while, not that netball is a bad game, just suited the non contact type sport that Darcy wants the AFL to become.
Brendon the 1st
Guest
Love your faith, but with Ch9 appointing Hutchy as footy show host, not sure I agree that the networks investigate what the punters want all that much. I'm a chef, and I base my assessments of other chefs on technical details more than what the punters want, perhaps it's the same in the TV industry, we tend to get blinded by our own industry's bias.
Brendon the 1st
Guest
Yeah, spot on, the continuous calls for players to be suspended over innocuous incidents hurts the game. Taylor would have been suspended for half his career had his own standards for "reportable'" been applied
Avatar
Roar Guru
Controversies aside, Brian Taylor is a terrific commentator. Blended well with Bruce when they called the Sydney vs Hawthorn game earlier this year and there's no doubt they will continue to work well together in the years to come. I wonder who will take on Sunday afternoons. My gut feeling is that the original Saturday Arvo duo of Hamish McLachlan and Basil Zempilas will move forward by 24 hours to take on Sunday afternoons.
BigAl
Guest
me too!
Paul D
Roar Guru
I agree, he does seem to understand the game very well every time I have heard him speak, and I think would do an excellent job calling it.
Penster
Roar Guru
Nathan Buckley is an outstanding commentator. Straight caller, balanced. If he doesn't continue coaching, I'd enjoy hearing him commentate regularly.
rob
Guest
Bugger. Now i cant watch friday night footy.
Saint Peter
Guest
I don't get what Brian Taylor has to offer unless we are striving for the 1950's type personality. But maybe neanderthal man will surprise me.
13th Man
Guest
I quite like BT and think he is the best choice for Friday night footy, however, Saturday night is now officially going to be the absolute worst.... and i'm talking worse than Channel 9's terrible cricket commentary. Basil and Darce have to be the worst possible duo and then they will throw in Lingy as well. To be honest I would rather James Brayshaw!
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Smart move this. The AFL caters to all walks of life, especially the gay community — no better advocate than BT.
Pete
Guest
Can't stand listening to BT, but then it's the same with most AFL commentators these days. I'm sure it used to be better but maybe i used to enjoy the bullshit banter a little more. They just seem to lack depth or any incite into commentary now. And there excitement seems to be so false and forced. Instead of enjoying the footy on tv I just find myself thinking this commentator sounds absolutely ridiculous !
Tom from Perth
Guest
Agreed. BT is hilarious. My favourite commentator now Dennis has left us
I hate pies
Guest
I agree. I don't mind BT; he adds some enthusiasm and fun to the telecast. Much better than Dennis trying to set himself up for a one liner, or Bruce barracking. He's a hundred times worse than the man without a personality; I guess I'll be watch Saturday night footy with the sound off now.
Jeff
Guest
Boy o Boy wowee the show is on. Loving it, more action on friday night. On ya BT!