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The Footy Show

"What a big week it has been in football!" With those opening remarks by host, Eddie McGuire, mayhem erupts. It's a night out with the boys, Eddie, Sam and Trev.

Eight seasons and over 200 episodes since its premiere, Melbourne's "The Footy Show" continues to be a ratings smash every week. Initially, the program aimed to announce the "ins and outs" of the teams for the coming weekend's round of matches. However, it has evolved into a football-orientated variety show. Regularly amassing over 500,000 Melburnian viewers, the program appeals to the entire spectrum of the football public, from the traditional die-hard fan, even to the sophisticated businesswoman.

Undoubtedly, the show's remarkable success has mainly been attributed to Sam Newman's controversial character. A football legend, notorious for his shady love life, Newman is a natural for the television limelight. From his infamous line "You idiot!" to his scathing criticisms towards the AFL, Newman provides the spark that ignites the show. His charismatic and charming personality mesmerises and attracts the previously untapped female audience of a football show.

"Over by the bar" is the resident comedian, Trevor Marmalade. It is refreshing to see a comedian that does not dominate a light-entertainment show. Positioned behind a liquor bar, Marmalade frequently chips in with witty, yet calculated comments.

Three footballers complete the panel of "experts". Remove them from the football ground, and some perform extraordinarily well under the scrutiny of television cameras and lights. They provide excellent insightful commentary to topical and heated discussions. Some footballers flourish under the television spotlight, such as Jason "Piggy" Dunstall, whose love-hate relationship with Sam Newman has simmered since their exchange of insults in a particular episode. Providing constant tension and rivalry, but above all, great entertainment, their sour relationship reached boiling point in 1997, as unforgettable incidents, such as Dunstall shaving Newman's hair, the pair exchanging kisses and the mocking of Newman's widely-publicised private life have contributed to their shaky relationship. (Due to rival-network poaching, "Piggy" is no longer a Footy Show panellist.)

Restoring some sanity in the show, Eddie McGuire, the compère, has the arduous responsibility of taming the rest of the cast members from being let loose. McGuire warms to the task of controlling the show, as he maintains the lively pace and energy of the program. Even he cannot resist the temptation of cracking a gag when the opportunity arises.

Frequently sparking controversy, "The Footy Show" discusses topical football issues that surface during the week, while always finding a humourous side to a contentious conversation. Incidentally, the program was the first to reveal the proposed merger between Fitzroy and Brisbane. Its light-hearted approach is bound to provoke some viewers, and offended viewers have voiced their anger. However, receiving hate mail has not phased the program, and it continues to present their views in their own fashion.

The highlight of the evening is "Street Talk", a segment presented by Sam Newman, where Newman roams the streets to gather public comments. Newman manages to discover the more eccentric characters of society, posing questions that are occasionally insensitive. "The Footy Show" is a nightmare for the politically correct, as it unabashedly ridicules any vulnerable person. However, many interviewees enjoy their experience on camera, and understand the light-hearted mannerisms of "The Footy Show".

A show initially intended to present football in a light-hearted manner, many unintentional sub-plots have developed which have maintained my enthusiasm and interest for the program. Broadcasted live, "The Footy Show" is unpredictable and regularly contains fresh ideas that always entertain. What I particularly enjoy is the spontaneity of the program, as there is hardly ever a dull moment to stop the flowing momentum.

"The Footy Show" has earned the respect among Melburnians, as their antics are mimicked and talked about in tomorrow morning's coffee break conversations.