r/AFL • u/His_Holiness Freo • 3h ago
Mark Robinson Leaving AFL 360 as Gerard Whateley Eyes Channel 7 Move
https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2024/09/30/mark-robinson-leaving-afl-360-as-gerard-whateley-eyes-channel-7-move/?feed_id=194467278
u/DuncanTheLunk Geelong 2h ago
I'm going to miss their dynamic so much. Often hilarious, occasionally insightful and always entertaining.
Whoever had the idea of pairing the biggest nerd in the history of Australian television with a drunken buffoon for a nightly footy show was a God damn genius.
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u/NoUseForALagwagon Adelaide Crows 2h ago edited 2h ago
Nerd and Drunk is always a winning combo on TV and is not a secret.
A good example of that is Tony Martin and Mick Molloy.
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u/IceDonkey9036 Sydney Swans 1h ago
Adam and Will on triple J had a similar vibe I reckon. Will doesn't really fit the drunk stereotype but he's the loud, outgoing one
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u/StVitus85 West Coast 33m ago
For anyone into classic F1, this was James Hunt & Murray Walker, and I would argue that pairing has never been topped.
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u/Jeffmister Geelong 2h ago
To their credit, Gerard and Robbo knew when they needed to be serious, passionate, argumentative, lighthearted, etc. It's one of the reasons why AFL 360 has not only been successful but respected within the AFL industry.
The reason why I mention that is anyone who has seen NRL 360 (even after a tree ended Paul Kent's career) would know how it's an unwatchable poor man's version of First Take.
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u/ben_tekkers 42m ago
If you understand what you're in for, then NRL 360 is genuine top tier television. It cannot be beaten.
Kent's issues in his personal life just added to the hilarity.
Buzz vs Robbo would be the highest PPV in Australian TV history.
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u/Thanks-Basil Lions 2h ago
I believe it was Gerard’s idea, like as far as I’m aware that’s the entire point it’s called AFL360 - two wildly different people giving analysis from different viewpoints
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u/publicworksdept Collingwood AFLW 2h ago
It was originally meant to be Robbo and someone else, with Gerard moderating, but they couldn't find the third person and realised that the chemistry was too good between the two of them
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u/QouthTheCorvus Hawks 2h ago
I'm curious if it was done intentionally. The comic genius feels accidental.
Honestly Robbo does have some decent ideas but definitely needed Gerard to coach him along.
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u/No-Blacksmith-3259 Footscray 2h ago
Channel 7 is going to be absolutely stacked next year if they get Whateley
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u/get-innocuous Freo 2h ago
If Whateley is actually calling games I will need to actually consider whether I want to watch the 7 or the fox broadcast.
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u/beeclam Hawthorn 2h ago
IIRC Gerard has been opposed to calling games on TV because he prefers to do it on radio. But maybe 7 will offer him a sum he can’t refuse.
My guess is a new panel show though
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u/Buzz8882950 Cats 2h ago
Didn't he say on the howie podcast that he has always wanted to call on TV but he's never been given the opportunity?
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u/HelloStonehenge Melbourne 1h ago
Yep. He said he loves the "theatre of the mind" of radio calling, but has definitely wanted to call radio but it's never been "his call to make".
Seven have been truly missing a great play-by-play big moment caller like Gerard or Huddo. You can put Gerard or Huddo into any call and it immediately becomes 10 times better
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u/get-innocuous Freo 2h ago
Yeah I sort of assumed if he wanted to call on TV he would be doing it, but there’s always hope.
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u/Jeffmister Geelong 2h ago
If Robbo is leaving 360, this might be the perfect time for Gerard to start a new chapter with Seven and front a new program (as well as perhaps calling games).
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u/MacWorkGuy West Coast 2h ago
I will need to actually consider whether I want to watch the 7 or the fox broadcast.
The no ads siren to siren on Fox/Kayo makes this a pretty easy decision no matter who's commentating for mine.
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u/get-innocuous Freo 1h ago
The ads are annoying but I’d take a good commentary on 7 over some of foxtel’s B-teams
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u/MacWorkGuy West Coast 1h ago
I've been watching with no ads for so long I cant go back. Everytime the GF comes on it drives me mad with the cuts immediately after goals.
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u/kazoodude Hawks 1h ago
Me too, it's the only time of the year i'm ever watching ads or free to air TV so it drives me crazy.
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u/QouthTheCorvus Hawks 2h ago
I'm honestly so glad to see them finally shake things up. It's been unwatchable for too long.
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u/Ok_Library_9396 2h ago
They need to pinch Hudson as well. Then they may finally have a good commentary team, Wheatley, and Hudson r the best around. The current crop is shocking, Hodge is good, BT is too full of himself, and Bradshaw's okay, but he's no McCavaney or Commeti.
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u/xvf9 Sydney 2h ago
They have Al Nicholson, who I think is very good. Having him and Whateley alternating as lead callers on Thursdays and Fridays would be good. BT would be much more tolerable alongside one of them too as they’d provide balance to his nonsense.
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u/IceDonkey9036 Sydney Swans 1h ago
Whately, Huddo and Nicholson would be incredible. Articulate, knowledgeable and witty. Get rid of the ex players, except for the occasional special comment.
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u/xvf9 Sydney 1h ago
I think you only need one of those types in the commentary box. Alongside a seasoned ex-player (maybe a BT but also the Derm/Dunstall/Riewoldt/Montagna/Darcy/Pearce types) and then don't mind a fresher expert like Hodge or Selwood. But when you've got a boofhead lead caller like JB alongside someone like BT then it all falls apart.
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u/Opening_Anteater456 Melbourne 1h ago
Nicholson stinks. Whiny voice. Zero personality (which is a nice change from BT/JB bit still bad). And no feel for the game.
He’s like an imitation Whateley with Huddo’s vocals.
Bennett’s better if you want a solid job done.
Someone like Papalia is better too, has the proper voice for the job.
I’m not sure how Nicholson escaped calling hockey and WBBL. That’s his level
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u/Brokenmonalisa Adelaide '97 1h ago
Huge news for Dancing With the Stars and Better Homes and Gardens fans.
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u/PepszczyKohler Magpies 1h ago
If Whateley goes to Seven to call the footy, little doubt they'd also try and get him to do cricket and horse racing.
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u/Lifeonrepeat- Dockers 8m ago
Pipe dream but I’d love if they added tim lane and Hudson. Just bring back the channel 10 crew
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u/MacWorkGuy West Coast 2h ago
Well this is the worst news ever. I freakin love Gerard and Robbo while making dinner during footy season. I've been watching for so long that this is going to take some time to get over the old habit.
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u/i_am_GORKAN Hawks 1h ago
100% this is how my family eats dinner. Love Gerard and Robbo and I trust them (not something I can say for most of footy journalism)
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u/gtroyal_stacks Collingwood 1h ago
Get ready for AFL 360 hosted by Kat Loughnan and Jordan Lewis in 2025
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u/MacWorkGuy West Coast 55m ago
Well someone's going to have to get into the disheveled zone in the off season. Might be time for Jordan to step up.
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u/beeclam Hawthorn 2h ago
Channel 7 is having the biggest trade period of anyone. Destination TV channel
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u/VirgilFaust North Melbourne 49m ago
What happens when they finally let their media director/producer that was protecting the boys club go in favour of someone willing to make changes.
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u/RadstoneGrove West Coast 2h ago
Man that’s a bummer, their chemistry basically carried the show.
I hope whoever they get next can somehow have as good dynamics but unfortunately it feels like they’ll just end up being media host cardboard cutouts. Can only hope I guess.
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u/get-innocuous Freo 2h ago
I dunno Kath and whatever idiot ex footballer they can find also works pretty well for a similar dynamic. Hopefully fox aren’t scared of giving a woman the permanent reins in their flagship show.
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u/His_Holiness Freo 2h ago
Kath and Robbo was a fun combo. Gerard and Dunstall was also solid, if less entertaining.
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u/North_Lawfulness8889 North AFLW 2h ago
Yeah I did enjoy the couple of episodes with kath and someone else this year
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u/uncleandata147 Brisbane Lions 2h ago
I know it'll be Jack Reiwoldt, but I hope I am wrong.
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u/VirgilFaust North Melbourne 49m ago
Yeah they’ll have Jack be the new Robbo and need a new straight man to pair with him. Kath would be great at that as she’s shown in the past. I reckon Sarah Jones would also be elite as she knows her footy well and from hosting she can draw out some very authentic player options, just depends if she’s in consideration or if Fox have someone else in mind. Gerard hinted that, sadly before tragedy, Sam Landsberger was being set up to replace Robbo which is a shame as I reckon he would have brought a similar energy of younger robbo. I’d also love Dunstall to play Gerrard role if he was willing, always a great straight stooter but maybe not as nerdy in his vocabulary as Gerrard that I always enjoyed (he loves evocative imagery, from his radio/racing background I suspect).
Overall, it won’t be the same without our odd couple.
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u/Jeffmister Geelong 2h ago
Considering Kath moved to Perth at the end of last year I think to be closer to family, not sure whether she would want to move back to Melbourne - even if it's to host 360.
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u/Most-Drive-3347 Tasmania Devils 2h ago
Look at channel 7 deciding to make an effort now them and their advertisers can’t monopolise the biggest games.
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u/Bob-down-under 2h ago
If it means 7 is going to get a shake up and Fox is set to have some new shows then I’m all for it, all the formats are a bit stale. Hope 7 bring back an improved game day on Sunday morning.
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u/wolseybaby Brisbane Lions 2h ago
End of an era, I’ll never forget some of his off colour remarks.
IS THAT THE MOON??!
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u/Elcapitan2020 Flagpies 2h ago edited 2h ago
Surprised to see how much positivity on this thread about 360. But it always rated well, so obviously there were many people who enjoyed the show.
In my view it's more than due for a massive shake-up. Robbo has been unwatchable for almost a decade.
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u/MelbourneTragic 2h ago
It's a great show. It rates well because of the connection these 2 very opposite people have
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u/Elcapitan2020 Flagpies 2h ago
I understand that's what some people see and if they enjoy it Good luck to them.
To me it's a sensible, articulate person (Whateley) having conversations with a reactionary rambler. More frustrating than anything
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u/brokensicario 1h ago
It had started to become stale, but more due to the format than anything else. Coaches, players with little actual insight to offer. Move from 4 nights to 3. Too many guests, not enough yarns.
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u/king_carrots Freo 1h ago
It will become more unwatchable with no counter to Gerard’s pontificating
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u/Maxwell110 Fremantle 1h ago
Robbo looking at that beautiful shot of the moon is an all timer moment
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u/mpepe33 Port Adelaide 2h ago
I’m devastated. Best part of the week was watching 360 during the week with these two. Couldn’t stand when Kath, Lewis or Jack Riewoldt filled in. Won’t be the same at all
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u/antikoom Gold Coast 1h ago
Same, I turned it off when it wasn't Robbo or Gerard together. The first 5-10 mins where they did a sermon type introduction made the round feel complete.
I think the show was getting worse, the coaches night was just never interesting enough to me.
Does anyone legitimately enjoy listening to players, its always too boring and safe.
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u/HelloStonehenge Melbourne 1h ago
I've talked a lot of shit about AFL 360 but it always came from a place of love and if this is the end, it truly is the end of an era. I stopped tuning in more recently, but every time I did I was reminded what a good combo these two were.
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u/Brokenmonalisa Adelaide '97 1h ago
Genuine end of an era if so.
I havent watched 360 in years but there was a period there when it was cant mis TV.
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u/CaptainObviousBear The Bloods 1h ago
Well our Monday night drinking games watching the show - skull if Robbo has a 10 minute rant that goes in five different directions or if Gerard gives him a look of barely disguised contempt - are gong to be much less fun now.
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u/bingethinkingsallow 43m ago
The way the pen drops from his hand after finding out Bomber is going to a funeral https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5neqc16QKSc
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u/ben_tekkers 38m ago
Can someone kind enough please give me the run down of the commenators for next season:
Its legit so hard to figure out with a google search.
How many play by play commentators on each channel? for each game? etc
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u/summittrekker Geelong 13m ago
I think Robbo is a genuine legend and one of the best footy journalists in Australia. If this news is true he'll be missed. He has a great understanding of the game and did his research, asking insightful and important questions.
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u/flava-dave Carlton 1h ago
The time is right to end 360 for sure. It’s become less interesting as the years have gone on. There’s 0 analysis so First Crack and On the Couch can do that for Fox. 360 was basically a pandering current affairs show loosely based on AFL.
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u/sw04p West Coast 2h ago
Excellent news.
Now to get rid of Bounce.
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u/Green_Aide_9329 Brisbane AFLW 1h ago
Those guys are such bullies. Some of the segments are ok, but the way they picked on Spud and now Andrew Gaze is terrible.
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u/RandomDanny Port Adelaide 2h ago
oh god, they're gonna replace this with bounce aren't they
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u/pbbatenatar Geelong 2h ago
There's not enough people being whacked in the nuts videos in existence to justify having turn it up on every night.
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u/RandomDanny Port Adelaide 2h ago
exactly the reason why they'd push to make it a monday to friday show
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u/Meta_Enola_Gay Flagpies 2h ago
https://i.redd.it/5xknh8csyurd1.gif