When the crowds return, that’s when footy will really roar back to life

Australia World

To be back in the ABC broadcast box on Thursday night for the resumption of the AFL season was a massive privilege but it was far from the usual experience.

In fact, we weren’t even calling from a commentary box.

In order to comply with social-distancing protocols, our broadcast position was a large corporate room on the half forward flank of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Only five people were permitted inside our swish new vantage point and the fancy corporate catering was absent, much to the disappointment of Grandstand expert and former Carlton premiership player Mark Maclure.

On arrival we were all temperature tested and thankfully the entire commentary team was under the allowable reading of 37.5 degrees.

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Under normal circumstances, a clash between Richmond and Collingwood would draw a crowd in excess of 80,000 fans.

The usual foot traffic on the concourse at the MCG is an assault on the senses — the chatter of expectant fans, the colour of the scarves, the flags and the wafting smells from hot-food vans bombard you.

Commentating post-COVID-19 calls for new approach

It’s a massive buzz to know you’re about to call a game that means so much to so many.

On Thursday night, the G was not its usual self — almost silent, colourless, odourless.

It was awesome to be back at the footy but when the crowds return, that’s when the game will really roar back to life.

Commentating matches without crowds has been challenging and requires a different approach.

I’ve tried to tone it down a little and not get too excited given there’s no accompanying atmosphere.

On radio, we use the roar of the crowd or the cry of “baaaaall” to complement the call and help tell the story.

The emotion of the fans is extremely powerful and a well-timed pause to accommodate their reaction is broadcast gold. I missed that vital element across the weekend.

On Friday night, for the match between the Cats and Hawks, we had a different commentary setup, calling from two separate commentary boxes to again keep our distance at Kardinia Park.

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Kelli Underwood and I were in one, Mick Malthouse and Cameron Ling in the other.

Worryingly, Mick was almost a late withdrawal from commentary duties as the AFL feared for his physical wellbeing.

It was initially thought at league headquarters that the man who has coached the most games in history, who had a runny nose, a temperature, a cough, sore throat — and who had been overseas recently — had come into contact with someone who had coronavirus.

Just as well Kelli and I were quarantined in the commentary box next door!

As it turned out, Mick had incorrectly filled out the online health questionnaire required to gain access to venues. A lesson in always reading instructions.

In pandemic times, even a small crowd feels significant

On Saturday, for the clash between Carlton and Melbourne, we had upgraded our broadcast position to an even more salubrious corporate box on the wing at the Docklands — this time the fridges were fully stocked, but tormentingly padlocked.

As I drove home that night I listened to the ABC Grandstand call of the showdown between Port Adelaide and Adelaide.

It was so refreshing to hear the roar of the crowd again.

There were only 2,000 in attendance but their passion for the game came powerfully through the speakers.

Round two produced some astounding results and performances.

Suns shine

The Gold Coast Suns have been the basket case of the competition. Propped up by the AFL — their very survival questioned — raided by opposition clubs aggressively poaching star players, and derided by fans nationwide.

Their 44-point win over West Coast on Saturday night was a moment that must be acknowledged and celebrated.

Lines of empty green seats fill the frame

Lines of empty green seats fill the frame

It was refreshing to hear the roar of a crowd after having witnessed the jarring view of empty stadium seats.(ABC News: Margaret Burin)

The young Suns, led by their brilliant number one draft pick Matt Rowell, played with a hunger and system that initially stood up against, and then walked all over one of the competition’s most highly rated sides. It was brilliant.

This week, the two South Australian clubs will move in together on the Gold Coast as they enter a hub for the next few rounds of matches.

By contrast, the two sides were miles apart on Saturday night as the Power showed its clear superiority.

Port is a side on the rise, a side benefitting from investment in youth.

Energetic youngsters like Zac Butters, Xavier Duursma and Connor Rozee play with great flair and enthusiasm and it’s infectious.

The 75-point win was Port Adelaide’s biggest over its cross-town rival.

While the Power tops the table with a massive percentage, this shortened season looks like being a very long one for the Crows and their first-year coach Matthew Nicks.

Saints look fresh

Two other sides with new coaches caught the eye in a far more positive fashion in round two.

North Melbourne remains undefeated through the opening two rounds under Rhyce Shaw after an upset 20-point win over one of the flag favourites Greater Western Sydney, while Brett Ratten’s Saints claimed their first premiership points with a commanding 39-point victory over the disappointing Western Bulldogs.

Everything looked new for St Kilda.

Recruit Zac Jones was highly influential and benefitted from the masterful tap work of Patrick Ryder, first-year player Max King proved he’s a frightening prospect for opposition defenders and Jack Billings has achieved what once seemed impossible and become a reliable shot at goal.

Billings’ class was a constant feature with his 24 possessions and three goals straight, rightly earning him the three votes in the ABC Footballer of the Year.

It was only one game, but I sense the Saints may have assembled the pieces for a return to finals football. Saturday’s clash with Collingwood looms as one of the games of round three and will offer further evidence.