Most of my exposure to AFL comes through the television. I probably spend at least ten hours per week of my leisure time watching the games, post-match programming and feature shows.
I would like to share with you my feelings on some of the commentators I like that flash before my eyes on the box – I like commentators who have opinions that are strongly and articulately expressed, and a sense of humour helps.
Dermott Brereton
His football reputation was as a brilliant exciting Hawthorn forward in the days when roughing up your opponent and getting square was football law. His stories about his famous feuds often end up with someone lying on the ground. He has a giggling sense of humour and is great value.
Jonathan Brown
You would never guess that he was a robust and aggressive player who to my ear is the patron saint of all half and full forwards. His opinions are expressed in a deep, strong voice that takes no prisoners. He comes from the knock-em-down school of AFL players
Gerard Healy
Every sport needs a voice of reason. He has been the On the Couch chairman as long as I remember. His occasional physiotherapy utterances are utterly bewildering, but I am sure they come from the source. He is so convincing that I can’t help accepting his opinions as they are believable.
David King
I remember him as a North Melbourne ruckman who gave his all and seemed a huge influence in every game he played. As a television personality he was a huge surprise. Articulate, incisive and with a detailed understanding of the fine points of the game.
His arrows and circles all moving around the screen are probably invaluable for coaches and true experts of the game to understand how it is played. Sometimes my eyes glaze and I feel a headache coming on.
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Mark Robinson
He reminds me of Oscar, the shambolic one in The Odd Couple. As a journalist he has very definite opinions, which he often yells at Gerard Whateley (Felix), but he is fascinating to watch. Without Gerard he would lose his way and wander off into the distance; with him he provides a brilliant contrast with a vast and well-expressed knowledge of the AFL.
His passion and concern for Alex Johnson’s misfortune was particularly moving.
Mike Sheahan
In my eyes he is a journalist with great credibility. His history with the AFL is long and storied and his interview shows are classic pieces of examining the human frailties and successes of former AFL personalities. I never fail to enjoy his Open Mike, and I especially revelled in his interview with Mark Jackson when Jacko threw everything at him except the chair he was sitting on.
Bob Murphy
What a find! Who would have thought that a much-loved footballer who failed to play in the grand final because of injury would turn out to be the best new talent on TV, not just in AFL coverage.
His interviews are classic pieces of friendly conversations with well-known celebrities who have some link with AFL teams. Tex Perkins, Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Richardson were moving and revealing. He never says a critical word, but you go along with his journey with a smile and understanding. I love this guy’s talent. He’s another Andrew Denton. I rate him.
Paul Roos
I liked Roosy as a player, I liked him as a coach and I love him as an analyst. He is the oracle when it comes to explaining the ins and outs of coaching and playing AFL. There are very few people in that industry who seem to garner universal respect. He is one of them. In the On The Couch episodes the panel all have their say and then seem to ask, “What do you think, Roosy?”.
I actually always understand what he is saying and mostly agree with it all.
Gerard Whateley
I want to be him. He sees and commentates on many sporting events and seems to be an expert in all of them. He is polite with all his interviews and handles Robbo deftly and with humour. I can appreciate and watch anything that he does, and I’m always amazed by his grasp of the issues and his sound and sensitive treatment of them. He’s much better than Felix and is the star of the team.
christy olsen
Roar Rookie
Yeah, he and Huddo are great.
Pelican
Guest
You bite at any mention of Port. You should be Pedro the fish. ;D
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
Pure Shock Jock. Kornes makes it up as he goes along! Whatever creates the greatest sensation!
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
I, also, am a great Lingy fan. I'm a James Brayshaw fan too...and Eddie. I can't stand tall poppy knockers so I make a point of noticing how these guys got there. They know their stuff and their joy in the game just bubbles over.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Start noticing when the commentator is Adam Papalia. He wasn't recruited for no reason. Just calls the game and leaves the comments to the specialists. I'll bet he has paid a lot of attention to how Huddo goes about it.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Dermie is only ok if you want to listen to what the half back did 3 plays ago. Don't ever expect his comments to be relevant to the play in front of him.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Stephen King. David was a winger.
Philby
Guest
Mostly agree, Keith, though I find Gerard Whatley annoyingly over-reactive at times, to the extent that he will often contradict his own opinion from week to week. Seven's Richo deserves a mention for his insights, which are often predictive.
christy olsen
Roar Rookie
Huddo is the best. He adds five levels of excitement to every game he commentates.
Wise Old Elf
Guest
Tim Lane - all class Doug Bigelow Doug Heywood Peter Landy Lou Richards Phil Gibbs (VFA on 0/10) - a lot of people were booing PM Mal Fraser at the VFA GF and Phil goes, 'don't know why everyone is booing, he has not done anything.'
Scott
Guest
Yep agree with most of those Keith. Disagree with almost everyone on footy classified. If your reading this channel 9, could you please axe that show for the good of the sport. Just a negative bi*chfest. I couldn’t give a toss if you think a player is not committed to the heart of a club cause he tripped over his shoelace in the parking lot one day. I just want them to kick a football good. The most unnecessary show on TV, they barely even mention the actual game anymore.
Scott
Guest
I agree with all those callers you mentioned. I was a bit confused not to see there names in the article until I realised it is an article about footy shows more then callers. You should write another article about callers Keith. For mine BT, Huddo, Bruce and Eddie (when he’s not calling a Collingwood game). The ones that get really excited can turn a good game into an epic. I reckon BT will become the new voice of AFL once Bruce retires, love him. Take note channel 7 and don’t do what channel 10 did in 2006. One of the most exciting grand finals ever with some seriously lacklustre commentary. Robert walls and Malcolm blight should never commentate together for any game let alone a GF. Too negative and slow. Thank god for Huddo who held the whole thing together
Lroy
Guest
I agree with that. Not many commentators give a balanced commentary regardless of who is playing and Russel gives both sides a fair call, hes always positive in his outlook as well which I like. Most of them actively cheer against the interstate teams which is infuriating especially in close games. More than once I have found myself switching the TV volume off and steaming the radio commentary via the internet of 6PR when the Eagles are playing. Gerrard Healy is another one I like, he is one of the few who seems to know anything about the players outside Victoria. He gives these detailed critiques of players which are spot on, so he must spend a fair bit of time researching the sides which is reflected in his concise comments.
User
Roar Rookie
Did you love the way simmo checked if Basil was alright during Mondays bit lol
User
Roar Rookie
And attacking hbf, he forgot his Richmond year as well
keith hurst
Roar Pro
Sorry about my mistake about David King. I did not have room for Nick Riewoldt who with Bob is the best new talent. He handled his hosting of AFL 360 when Robbo went walk about calmly and efficiently.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Cameron Ling? You're joking, right?
Baz
Guest
from your list I like: Gerard Healy & David King. dislike: Dermott Brereton & Jonathan Brown. My favourite: Cameron Ling.
Doctor Rotcod
Guest
His AFL team of the week is pretty puzzling as he doesn't seem to know much about Eagles,Sydney,Geelong or Melbourne players.He does love the Pies and the Dogs though.
dontknowmuchaboutfootball
Guest
In terms of in-game commentary, the best IMO, and certainly most underrated, is Dwayne Russell. A big part of that probably lies in his role as a play-by-play commentator. Love the way you can hear his enthusiasm for the game ("UN-BE-LIEVABLE"). I live the fact he doesn't indulge in ridiculous speculation about players/teams, etc. on the presumption that the game itself isn't exciting enough to hold viewers' attention. And I love how he never comes across as barracking for one side or another. He's way under-utilised.