Matt Hill

[Sainter1873]

I really enjoy listening to his commentary. He’s the best race caller we’ve got and his footy commentary is probably the best we’ve got. Says it all.

He’s a pro and most of the rest aren’t even close.

 

[Dogs Rule]

Russell, take note. Notice how Matt doesn't use cliches or American terms to describe an Australian game.

 

[hawkman]

Russell, take note. Notice how Matt doesn't use cliches or American terms to describe an Australian game.

He uses plenty of cliches

 

[Dogs Rule]

He uses plenty of cliches

I'll excuse it. Russell, I won't.

 

[BomberManU]

This guy is great. Even commentated the babies crawling race, at half time!

LISTEN: Matt Hill calling Bombers' baby race is the best thing you'll hear all day

Aww...

www.theroar.com.au

 

[Rusty Brookes]

He was terrific again yesterday but both Brereton and Lynch kept talking over him at critical points of the game. Who gives a rats about your golf scores? One special comments player who chimes in every now and again is fine but when they take over from the actual professional who is doing a great job then there's problems. Just let Hill call the bloody game.

 

[Corn Cobbers]

I really enjoy listening to his commentary. He’s the best race caller we’ve got and his footy commentary is probably the best we’ve got. Says it all.

He’s a pro and most of the rest aren’t even close.

Agreed, it's a terrible era for commentators, this bloke really stands out

On SM-A225F using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[BomberManU]

He was terrific again yesterday but both Brereton and Lynch kept talking over him at critical points of the game. Who gives a rats about your golf scores? One special comments player who chimes in every now and again is fine but when they take over from the actual professional who is doing a great job then there's problems. Just let Hill call the bloody game.

They really need to follow the EPL model - one professional commentator, one ex-player for 'special comments'. It works so well and Hill would be perfect. I know it will never change now, but the whole 'panel' of commentators is so over the top, as is the personal in-jokes etc.
Are there any other sports that have more than two commentating the game? Do any of the US sports have multiple commentators?

 

[Section226]

Are there any other sports that have more than two commentating the game? Do any of the US sports have multiple commentators?

Agree that NFL, NHL, NBA and MLB don't have as many commentators.

Usually one main caller, 1 or 2 for analysis and 1 on the sideline.

With AFL though, with the ball being in play a lot more compared to those sports (e.g. no time outs), there probably needs to be a second main caller (I remember a game where John Casey was the only main caller and he lost his voice in the 3rd quarter).

I don't like Foxfooty's mix where there's always 2 for analysis. Too much oneupmanship and talking to each other. Sure, the main caller needs the occasional breather, but you then have 30 seconds of Brereton and Healy for example crapping on.

Much prefer 2 main, 1 analysis, 1 sideline for AFL.

 

[Simon_Nesbit]

Agree that NFL, NHL, NBA and MLB don't have as many commentators.

Usually one main caller, 1 or 2 for analysis and 1 on the sideline.

With AFL though, with the ball being in play a lot more compared to those sports (e.g. no time outs), there probably needs to be a second main caller (I remember a game where John Casey was the only main caller and he lost his voice in the 3rd quarter).

I don't like Foxfooty's mix where there's always 2 for analysis. Too much oneupmanship and talking to each other. Sure, the main caller needs the occasional breather, but you then have 30 seconds of Brereton and Healy for example crapping on.

Much prefer 2 main, 1 analysis, 1 sideline for AFL.

Hill has been fantastic. Best thing about Hawthorn becoming the Sunday twilight specialist is we get Hill most weeks.

For mine, the best setup is:

• Lead Commentator - Doubles as Host/Celebrity, manages into and out of quarter time breaks, goal replays, etc. Cover's the Play-by-PLay caller when they need a breath, drink, etc. Adds 'colour' and excitement without breaking the play-by-play flow.
• Main Play-by-Play Caller - calls the play (radio style).
• 2 x Expert Commentators - might only interject 1-2 times a quarter each, then give opinion with replays of tactics/situations, the team and game analysis in the breaks with the Lead commentator
• 1 x Ground Level - updating on bench rotations, injuries, subs etc.

 

[Chicken Parma]

They really need to follow the EPL model - one professional commentator, one ex-player for 'special comments'.

Here's a Seven game from 2000 which followed this model (plus a boundary rider):

With AFL though, with the ball being in play a lot more compared to those sports (e.g. no time outs), there probably needs to be a second main caller (I remember a game where John Casey was the only main caller and he lost his voice in the 3rd quarter).

So what happened? Did Casey battle through, or did one of the special comments guys have to do PBP?

 

[Section226]

So what happened? Did Casey battle through, or did one of the special comments guys have to do PBP?

If I recall correctly, Casey continued, but was severely hampered.
Lots more input from analysis commentators than what would be considered normal.