The Soaring

So as you now know from season 2007 onwards the AFL will be seen on free to air networks 7 and 10 after their $780m bid was accepted by the AFL.

But apart from meaning the Nine network has been given the boot, what does it really mean? Well, as far as I can tell, if you’re wanting to know what’s happening with telecasts Seven will essentially take the same role as Nine with Friday night footy telecasts and two Sunday games, with Ten doing two Saturday games and the rest being raffled off to Fox Footy (in all likelihood).

The other talking point is the northern states coverage. Philosophically, that is an important issue for the game - the amount and quality of coverage is directly related to the participation in the sport and thus the future of the game in those states and, as a flow on, throughout the nation. From a purely pragmatic viewpoint though, I don’t care because I don’t live there. I want to know about West Coast Eagles games.

Again as far as I can tell, there will under this agreement be scope for 7/10/Fox to juggle who shows which games in which states, as per the current agreement. Meaning for WA Eagles fans we’re likely to get ALL our away games live on free-to-air, non-WA fans are still likely to get most games live albeit mostly on Fox it would seem.

But let’s be honest, all footy fans care about is the coverage it’s quality (or lack of it). The visuals are vital, no questions but the real point of difference is the commentary. The commentators are where the rubber hits the road in TV land. So let’s examine the Pro’s and Con’s of the 2007-2011 era:

PROs:

• No Eddie McGuire. Yes, we know you can wear two hats at once but we still think you suck behind the mic, particularly when the ‘pies are on the paddock.
• Winning Team’s Song. Right behind Eddie is this little beauty. Nine have ripped us off countless times in the past 4 seasons, robbing us of the adrenaline release of singing along to “We’re the Eagles…”
• The demise of the Footy show? Bit premature to say perhaps, but all good things must come to an end - which is no justification for the Footy Show to continue.
• The return of McAvaney. Call me crazy but there is something romantic about the notion of the little man returning to the mic. Until we get sick of him, at least.
• Basil’s Footy show. C’mon you know you want it back on TV. If not, you’re a mean spirited old sod or you’re Neil Brooks.

CONs:

• Dennis. What will happen to the legendary Cometti? Will the prodigal return to Seven? Or will he remain behind the desk at Nine’s Tuart hill studios, further frustrating Michael Thompson’s air time?
• The Gossage Problem. It’s hasn’t been solved, and it won’t go away. Sorry Tim, we don’t rate you as a commentator.
• Seven’s 80s and 90s set. Don’t tell me their coming back. Robbo, Don Scott, Peter Landy, Sandy Roberts would turn the clock back. Please we need new blood. Seven, take a punt hire someone who loves the game - no someone bitter about how much better it was when…
• It’s all about $. Really, this isn’t about the game. It’s about the AFL and dollars. Contrary to what Dimmer and Anderson tell you, I can’t see how the average punter benefits?

The rights issues are not all over though. According to this article internet rights and radio coverage is next. If you’re reading this, do us all a favour and pray that whatever happens Telstra do not win the ‘net rights again - under any circumstances. We’ll wait and see.