Sam Newman pays tribute to classic Footy Show segment set to return to TV

An old tradition from the Sunday Footy Show is returning to our screens, and Sam Newman couldn’t be happier about it.

Tom Lynch and Sam Newman practice for the return of classic footy show segment Lou’s Handball.

Sam Newman has paid tribute to the classic Footy Show segment, Lou’s Handball, which will make a triumphant return to the small screen today.

The much-loved segment made famous by Collingwood icon Lou Richards, will be rebooted by The Sunday Footy Show on Channel 9.

Sunday Footy Show co-host Sam Newman paid tribute to Richards’ TV legacy as he welcomed the return of Lou’s Handball to the show.

“I think the eternal acknowledgment for someone who set the scene for many others is something we should never overlook, Newman told the Sunday Herald Sun.

“Too many times the out of sight is out of mind, so we should never forget what Lou’s contribution was.”

Newman said Richards inspired him as a broadcaster.

Matthew Lloyd and Billy Brownless get set for the return of Lou’s Handball on Channel 9

“It was the informal formality of Bob Davis, Lou and Jack Dyer in (Channel 7’s footy show) League Teams,” Newman said.

“He was the precursor at taking an informal and light hearted look at the very serious business of football.”

The late, great Lou Richards on the set of The Footy Show.

Newman said he was honoured to work with Richards. “The highlight was the fact that we were from completely different walks of life, but we were able to communicate on an extremely respectful and tongue-in-cheek way.”

But, Newman added, “for a man who was the leading football personality for decades he was insecure and always looking for that self-assurance from his peers, which was a very endearing quality.”
Lou’s Handball pits players against each other in a game of handball target practice. Newman said he was always surprised by the “stage fright the stars of our game experienced when they had to put their abilities on the line in a completely different setting to the one they were used to on the football field.”

Richards passed away, aged 96, in 2017.

Sunday Footy Show host Tony Jones said: “At a time when so many traditions in football are falling by the wayside, it’s good to keep hold of this one. Lou’s Handball is just that; a tradition.”