AFL faces up to reality with proposed Fox Footy show Jay Clark
From: Herald Sun
January 25, 2013 A REALITY football show being considered by the AFL would guarantee the winner a spot on a league list.
The Herald Sun has learnt Fox has put the radical proposal to AFL heavyweights, with plans to film this season.
The prize would be a spot on a club's rookie list, most likely Greater Western Sydney.
Collingwood president and football kingpin Eddie McGuire is behind the project and is slated to host the program.
McGuire Media chief executive Cos Cardone did not want to comment at length last night.
"We have a number of formats in development and we are always talking to broadcasters about those ideas," Cardone said.
While the league is yet to formally agree to the concept, it is understood key officials, including chief executive Andrew Demetriou, have tentatively backed the Fox proposal.
A mechanism which would give every club access to the winning player is being discussed.
AFL spokesman Patrick Keane last night said the league would assess the plan in detail.
"Yes, there has been an initial discussion," Keane said.
"The AFL will now await a proposal to consider it and the possible ramifications for the wider industry."
Under one plan, clubs could bid for the winning player in December's rookie draft.
The player would go to the club that placed the highest bid.
If no bids were received, the player would be automatically listed by the Giants.
Greater Western Sydney chief executive David Matthews welcomed plans to produce the reality football show.
"There have been a number of concepts similar to this proposed over the years and we think it's an idea that's got merit and the Giants would be happy to support it subject to AFL approval," Matthews said.
Financial backing would need to be secured for the show, although there are hopes it would be a ratings hit.
The program would take viewers deep into the trials and tribulations of a group of youngsters intent on proving their AFL worth.
Players from around Australia would be invited to try out for the show.
Fox would appoint a team of experts to select the participants.
Short-listed players would be put through gruelling physical and mental testing at a series of selection camps.
Former AFL football operations boss Adrian Anderson was understood to have been a strong supporter of the concept.
His recent departure has slowed the approval process, but Fox remains hopeful the show can be recorded this season.
The concept draws on Australian sports reality shows Football Superstar and Cricket Superstar, both aired on Fox8.
In those shows, amateur soccer and cricket players were put through training and trial matches under the close watch of expert judges.
Each week, contestants were removed from the show, leaving a couple of finalists to battle out for the grand prize of a professional contract.
The winner of Cricket Superstar, Ian Holland, was listed by the Victorian Bushrangers for the 2012-13 summer. He also did four months training at the Centre of Excellence in Brisbane.
Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC and Brisbane Roar signed a player each as part of the three-season Football Superstar series.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/more-news/afl-faces-up-to-reality-with-proposed-fox-footy-show/story-e6frf9jf-1226561268026
