The Major joins the Captain
January 29, 2009
RESPECTED radio broadcaster Ian Major died in Melbourne yesterday aged 65.
A highly regarded Australian rules commentator, he was voted the best sporting commentator in the country three times.
Major began calling VFL matches on 3XY then moved to 3KZ, where he stayed for 21 years and formed a renowned commentary partnership with former Richmond captain Jack Dyer. The pair were long known as "the Captain and the Major".
Major covered the 1972 Munich Olympics, the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland and also worked as 3KZ's manager, program manager and assistant news editor.
Major later worked for radio stations Magic 693, 3UZ, 3LO, 3AK and SEN and was also chairman of the Commercial Radio Football sub-committee.
Broadcaster and columnist Tim Lane said Major's call on 3KZ of the 1970 grand final between Carlton and Collingwood was a model for professional sports broadcasting. "He was a terrific bloke, a great broadcaster and provided a perfect foil for Jack Dyer's verbal eccentricities," Lane said.
Major had been in remission last year after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkinson's lymphoma several years ago, but died suddenly after being admitted to hospital.
The father of three was married to Pam and had five grandchildren.
3KZ's Ian Major, left, and "Captain Blood" Jack Dyer in 1980.http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/the-major-joins-the-captain/2009/01/28/1232818534500.html