Bruce McAvaney blames himself for the rise of Eddie McGuire
He may be the doyen of Australian sports broadcasters, but Bruce McAvaney knew he was in danger of being usurped by an enthusiastic young Eddie McGuire as soon as they met 35 years ago. This is why.
Fiona Byrne
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Bruce McAvaney, the doyen of Australian sports broadcasters, has apologised for his part in creating the “tour de force” that is Eddie McGuire.
McAvaney took McGuire under his wing when the footy mad young journo joined Channel 10 as a sports reporter in 1986.
“How do you reckon I was going to stop this bloke in 1986/87 when I met him?” McAvaney said.
“He was a whirlwind. He came into Channel 10 as this young kid with a work ethic, he absolutely ripped through the newsroom and I thought. special.
“The only thing that has driven me mad over the years is that I created a tour de force for Channel 9 and Fox and the bugger has been messing us (Channel 7) up for 25 years.”
The tongue in cheek ribbing highlights the genuine warmth, friendship and respect the two TV titans hold for each other.
“He is a wonderful mentor and master, in those days I was his apprentice, I still remember how to make his tea,” McGuire said.
“Bruce was clearly the pre-eminent sportscaster in Australia at that stage, but he allowed me to do a segment on the Channel 10 news called Doing The Rounds which he had every right in the world to say, ‘You are kidding, I am the man,’ but his generosity of spirit gave me a great break in my career and I will never forget that and that is why I love this bloke.
“Bruce helped me become a young commentator on the VFA and then for the Battle of Britain (the North Melbourne V Carlton match held in London in 1987) took me on my first ever overseas trip calling the footy, and supported me so much.”
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The pair will join forces on-air for the first time since that famous match more than 30 years ago as the Seven and Fox Sports commentary teams come together to call the State of Origin for Bushfire Relief match on Friday, February 28 at Marvel Stadium.