Mick Molloy’s behind the scenes secrets from The Front Bar
Mick Molloy lifts the lid on secrets from The Front Bar — does the beer tap on set really work? — and reveals his cunning plan to get in good with Gill and score a ticket to the Gabba Grand Final in a shallow-dive Q&A.
Confidential
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Tigers tragic Mick Molloy has revealed behind-the-scenes secrets from the hit footy show The Front Bar while tackling big AFL issues like Magpies superstar Jordan De Goey and Richmond linchpin Neil Balme.
Molloy, co-host of Channel 7’s The Front Bar with Sam Pang and Andy Maher, will helm the show’s preliminary final edition on Thursday, his beloved Richmond takes on Port Adelaide on Friday, and Molloy, Pang and Maher will make a special appearance during the Brownlow Medal TV coverage on Sunday.
“Preliminary finals is the best week in football. We treat it like the footballers with two weeks to go. We want to get last two off, win two more and we’re home.”
He says the supportive mood of Pang and Maher has changed as the Tigers charge to the finish line.
“First, they were happy for us. Now they really don’t like us. If Richmond don’t win the Grand Final, I’m in a bit of strife. If they do, I’ll be keeping everyone in for a Mad Monday.”
Molloy added: “I am quietly confident, if that doesn’t make me sound like a knob.”
He said The Front Bar preliminary final edition will celebrate Brownlow moments through the ages.
“Everyone mentions the rotisserie (the controversial WAG-on-wheel used on the 2011 Brownlow red carpet), but stand by,” Molloy said.
“We’ve found something from 1994 that will blow it off the screen.”
They will also pay tribute to Armaguard staffers delivering the votes (“they provide great theatre”), Brownlow host Bruce McAvaney’s lingering handshakes, and Tigers superstar Dustin Martin being fed a grape by another player during the count.
“I wish that was me,” Molloy said. “I could do that job.”
MOLLOY ON FOOTY’S MOST PRESSING ISSUES
DOES THE BEER TAP ON YOUR SET ACTUALLY WORK?
It does. I put it in my contract as a joke, then Channel 7 made it happen. Not sure what goes on in there during the week, but there’s not much left in the keg by show day.
WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BEST GUEST THIS YEAR?
Anyone who replaced Sam Pang when he was away. I don’t like to say this about a colleague, but he’s really dropped the ball this year.
SHOULD THE TIGERS GO AFTER JORDAN DE GOEY?
If we do get him, he’ll have to come up through the twos. We won’t be playing him $1 million a year. We’ve got to pay (Richmond senior club advisor Neil Balme) that much, now that other clubs are trying to poach him. If Adelaide want Balmey, then we want fair compensation. A full set of Penfolds Grange from 1951 would be a start. And maybe throw in Glenelg Beach.
ARE YOU GOING TO THE GRAND FINAL IN BRISBANE?
I’ve applied to be an au par for (AFL boss) Gill (McLachlan), so fingers crossed. If not, I’ll see if he wants a polo training partner, or maybe a stylist.
BRISBANE HAS BEEN A GREAT STORY OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS. YOUR THOUGHTS?
I think it’s time for a second team in Brisbane. The pressure is also on the Gold Coast to catch up. They need rebranding; perhaps change their name to the Gold Coast Schoolies. They should also start a veteran’s team called the Gold Coast Toolies. I’d be their No.1 ticket holder.
THE 2020 AFL SEASON PLAYED ON THROUGH A PANDEMIC. ARE YOU IMPRESSED?
I am. The clubs have been doing it tough in the hubs. Some of them didn’t have room service, and one team didn’t have a swim up bar. No wonder there will be an asterisk on this premiership.
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO MISS ON GRAND FINAL DAY?
The game being played at the MCG. And Razor Ray. He’s a loveable little rogue. It’s not his fault he can’t bounce the ball above his own head. Two feet is really high.
HOW HAVE YOU KEPT ACTIVE DURING LOCKDOWN?
I’ve been doing pre-season training. I figure with the number of players they’ve gotten rid of at North Melbourne, I could probably get a game with them in 2021. I’ve also been playing Essendon bingo, seeing who’s going to leave. I’ve already got Joe Daniher and Adam Saad, and if Kevin Sheedy walks out in the next few weeks, I’ll win a ton of cash.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM THE FRONT BAR GRAND FINAL SHOW?
It will be a fun filled hour, jam packed full of guests. As usual, I’ll be doing all the heavy lifting and carrying the team. I’ll probably win the Norm Smith Medal in a canter.
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