I read the article. Of course it's true. But it's interesting comparing the two sports: one thing that cricket commentary has always needed to do is to keep the talk going even when nothing is happening - eg it's drinks or it's raining or between overs - not that this is an excuse for talking sh!t and not analysing the game very well.
But footy is one of the fastest games in the world, and it's a miracle that they get time for irrelevant matey banter during a game - though there is a bit.
Who's the culprits? Are you talking about the parochial Perth ones who are mostly Eagles suckholes like your Basils? Or are you talking about people like your Dermot Breretons? A lot of people don't like Bomber Thompson, but I think he's funny because he always sounds like he's had a puff on the wacky baccy (and he's a premiership coach so he probably knows a bit about what he's talking about). The quality of commentary can be very good sometimes with David King etc when they seem to actually do proper halftime analysis including diagrams. Lingy and Richo - I don't mind those guys.
It's inevitable that commentary boxes are filled with ex-stars. That's all fine because they probably know a thing or two about the game. But they need to leave their ego out, and remember it's not about them. It's nice when they can be generous in praise towards clubs who deep-down they probably hate, or be critical of the side who's jumper they wore.
But I suppose you only get a Dennis Cometti once a generation. He made it because he was such a great commentator, not because he was an ex-superstar (though we know he played and coached at WAFL level). I can't see who the next Dennis is. We've known for a long time that it's not the man once groomed to be his heir - Basil.
You know what I reckon Pav might be an excellent commentator.
