They discuss the reason why Newman is so crutial to the success of the show is because of the unpredictable 'entertainment' he provides. 'They' discuss how the show is more of a variety show that a football show which is why it has remained popular for such a long period of time but...
...to me I find Newman's antics boring and Brayshaws pathetic attempts at humour plain sad. Street talk has run its race as has the mailbag - I just switch channels during this time. Get rid of Brayshaw - he adds nothing to the show.
Billy is naturally funny so I welcome his continued future involvement but I still think they need some more changes.
In one episode Newman was actually worth watching. He presented a 'rucking lesson' of sorts where he was amazingly insightful and educational. Why couldn't he or other experts, deliver similiar brief insights into the game on subjects such as tagging, leading, shepherding, tackling, creating space, etc etc. I realise a show filled with only this sort of analysis would be too much but a segment of it I feel would add to the show.
What about a segment where someone shows us a side to the game we rarely see such as a pre-game coaches speech, an end-of-season footy trip (edited of course
), pre-season training, cheer squad (?), sitting in the coaches box, recruiting, etc
What about a few funny 'games/competitions' such as footy baby photos competitions, cheer squad 'footy knowledge' challenges, Footy 'Dares' etc. The old MARstermind, singing comps, etc broke things up a bit.
Having current players on the panel is a waste of time. Perhaps bring one on every week but 3 is a waste of time. I would rather two/three entertaining panelists rather than just 2-dimensional footballers who struggle to read out the teams every week let alone provide interesting or comical banter.
They need to find new humour instead of the same old jokes - the stretcher skit and Gary look-a-likes are redundant and stale.
What the show is lacking is someone like, dare I say it, Eddie who actually provided some insightful credibility to the program. Love him or hate him he broke stories before they hit the paper, provided exclusive interviews and challenged AFL rules and regulations. This is sorely lacking.
Overall I agree the show needs to remain 'entertaining' first, informative next but it is neither at the moment.
Stripes