WAFL Electronic Commentation

[Croydon]

Radio commentating in the WAFL lost its way in the 1990s, with the retirements of several excellent football callers and a couple of radio stations declining to commit its resouces to local games.
In contrast, the 1960s to 1980s had an abundance of talent in the radio boxes.
The sad state of radio calling in WA, and lack of depth, is no better demonstrated than today. The ABC has lost several talented callers, now have Glen Mitchell and Wally Foreman. They are not exceptionally good, but okay. Foreman is on holidays and Mitchell is calling a game on ABC TV. I am listening to a game on ABC radio, where the two commentators are former players, Phil Lamb (Subiaco) and Trevor Sprigg (East Fremantle). Lamb has not reached great heights yet as a football caller, though has potential. But Sprigg, who has been calling for 15 years, is terrible.
The situation is no better at 6PR, with former Eagle Karl Langdon apparently believing that the more noise a commentator makes the better the commentary. Please somebody at Radio 6PR advise Langdon that a little intelligence and commonsense into a caller's expression helps to improve that commentator's grasp of the contest at hand.
Remember, a sporting commentator's duty is to inform the public, not just to amuse him/herself.

 

[CherryPie43]

Yeah,
Interesting thoughts.
Any other commentators around in WA?
There have been some so-so callers on Fox as well, although they seem to have cleaned the cupboard out a little.

 

[Croydon]

Yes, I agree.
There was a promising commentator, Martin Young. Last I heard was that he was on one of the minor radio stations. But that was a couple of years ago.

 

[naughty monkey]

Starting shaking tins.

In about 50 years time you might have enough to lure Dennis back from the evil empire.

 

[LLF]

As a SANFL commentator for 5RPH (1197am) I am interested in what the readers here think make for a good radio broadcaster of local footy ?

Is it playing experience, clear & accurate description of the play by play , research of players and club backgrounds, charisma and quick wit or other characteristics ?

 

[Croydon]

A clear and accurate description of the play would be a start. But the use of language is the major aspect which spoils most commentators now. The use of slang and cliches is employed by most Australian commentators, which has collectively taken Australian sports commentary from world-class to an extremely low standard.
The ABC's standard of commentary is slipped dramatically in this aspect.
In contrast, the BBC's standard is still quality.