Phil Cleary Gone

Submitted by Volunteer on
Rumour getting around the traps is that Phil Cleary has been dumped from the ABC panel that broadcasts games live on Saturday's. Even though at times Phil carries on a bit I am a great supporter of his comments etc as he truly loves the competition. If you agree we should find an email address at the ABC to complain about the decision, what do you think?
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Victorian Football League - General Discussion
NorthPort Thu, 22 Feb 2007 - 11:13
[size=24]Biggest news this season![/size] Did Cleary walk or did the ABC dump him? I heard rumours that he may not be around as part of the team in 2007, but wasn't sure of the reasons. I can't believe the ABC would want to dump the person who most represents the face of the VFL? Yeah I will be sending something on to the feedback section of http://www.abc.net.au/sport/vfl/ at the very least. Who are they looking at to replace him? Are they going with a younger / dynamic style team? Lets hope that Peter Donegan is still a part of their plans.
vfa Thu, 22 Feb 2007 - 12:39
Is this a rumour or fact ? Wouldn't think that they would get rid off Phil Cleary. What are they trying to do ?? Phil Cleary is VFA !!!
zebra Thu, 22 Feb 2007 - 13:58
No more Phil Cleary would be a vfl disaster, he and Peter Donegan and Ross Booth are Saturday's best advert for this comp. and have been doing a mighty job,especially now sen1116 are not doing a match broadcast only scores. Phil had his waffling on but always interesting and plenty of players history which I and sure many vfa/vfl followers would miss if leaving happens. go zebs zebra :cry:
bobbyborough Thu, 22 Feb 2007 - 15:27

Love or hate him at least he promotes the VFL (VFA) & is a icon of the game.He might ramble on a bit but it will be ashame if the ABC don't have him on board doing the telecast of the footy. Go Borough!
STANGA Thu, 22 Feb 2007 - 17:39
If he's been dumped, then that's a disgrace! Was he a pro-commentater? Nup. Was he un-biased? Nah! Was he passionate? Yep, in bucketloads! Why do we love him? He's unique! He says what everyone's thinking! He pretty much IS the link between the VFA and VFL, there's definatly others, but he's the most obvious. If he walked, then that's his decision. If he's still there, then even better! Have just felt the last few seasons with Donegan and Darren Boyd, we'd finally gotten the best line-up since Kekka was in there with Phil! I've watched so many terrible Bendigo v Tasmania matches, why? Because Phil makes me laugh. He tries to make the game interesting. If you're reading Phil, if you're NOT there this year, you'll be well and truly missed!
footyman Thu, 22 Feb 2007 - 19:08
You'll find its true he has been dumped by the ABC as a commentator. The chit chat among the three commentators makes the VFL coverage, its the reason many of the 100,000 + viewers tune in on a Saturday afternoon. Sometimes they ramble on, but the VFL coverage is as much about entertainment and a laugh as it is about the footy. Sure Phil cops it - particularly from non regular viewers who might tune in on the odd occassion - but thats something the ABC shouldnt be worried about. Television always has someone the fans love to hate! I think he genuinely has a liking for the competition - more so what it was than what it is today, but the decision to replace him is a disgraceful one. As for replacements - well who is there?
ozybeer Thu, 22 Feb 2007 - 21:12
Just e-mailed A.B.C i hope every one on this site lets the a.b.c know. More complaints they may reconsider. This is not good for the comp he is the v.f.l only real voice.LETS GET PHIL BACK.
bcarbonaro Thu, 22 Feb 2007 - 21:13
Damien Mahoney? Does anyone know if he will be continuing with his Inside Football column? It's one of the first things I read each week in Inside Football.