Southern Football League to launch weekly radio show providing live coverage of a match each week

FOOTY fans in Adelaide’s south will get to live coverage of local matches in 2015 on the back of a successful trial this year.

SOUTHERN Football League action will be broadcast on the airwaves next season, as the league launches a live weekly radio show.

SFL stalwarts Craig Warman and Gary Davenport along with board director and Reynell MP Katrine Hildyard will broadcast a three-hour live show from one game every week in the 2015 season.

It comes after the success of a two-game trial broadcast during this year’s preliminary final matches.

SFL President Mr Warman, who took the idea to the league, said the feedback was what prompted a decision to make it a weekly feature next year.

“We had a proposal to a radio station initially but it was knocked back,” Mr Warman said.

“So after we were given the opportunity by someone in radio to borrow their equipment we did the preliminary final matches and got great feedback.

“The Great Southern Football League has been calling matches for a while … I think it’s a great way to get the community involved in our league, even if they can’t make it to matches.”

Mr Warman said the trio — named “The General, Davo and The Pollie” — had no prior radio experience.

“We’ve got a lot to learn and I think the first few games will be interesting next season while we find our feet,” he said.

“We’re excited about it … we’ll be speaking to coaches, players, supporters and volunteers and really involving the community, which is the best part.”

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The show, which will likely be called SFL FM, will be broadcast from a different home ground every week so each club is featured.

The group is still working on getting a van and sponsorship.

Mr Davenport, a league commissioner and long-time MC, said the show would help “extend the reach” of the SFL.

“It’s keeping a community event and competition alive and giving people who can’t make it to games the opportunity to listen in,” Mr Davenport said.

“The SFL is the heart of people in the area and people have a connection with the league.

“You can be in your loungeroom and know what’s going on or you can be at another match and listen in to see how your rivals are going.

“Footy is a weekend tradition.”

Ms Hildyard said she was excited about the 2015 season.

“Since we did the two games we’ve had fantastic feedback and I really enjoyed being able to talk to local clubs and profile local sport,” Ms Hildyard said.

“The more we can support local clubs the better.”

The league is still seeking a frequency for the broadcast.