Players ice Brian Taylor when he tries to interview them after AFL matches
FOOTY fans hit out at Brian Taylor’s awkward roving post-match interviews with exhausted players, but the AFL Players’ Association says not only have players agreed — but they’re getting paid.
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CHANNEL 7 has been criticised by footy fans for sending commentator Brian Taylor into the Bulldogs’ dressing rooms on Friday night as a roving reporter.
Seven has been given roving access in the player’s change rooms after matches on Friday nights and has begun filming live interviews in the sheds.
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The AFL Players’ Association told the Sunday Herald Sun that greater access for fans and the media was part of its CBA proposal.
Players last year expressed interest in NFL and NBA-style media access in exchange for a fixed percentage of league revenue.
Nick Dal Santo in August said he believed the move could spur a “cultural shift” in the AFL.
“As a sports fan myself, I know what it’s like to crave that behind the scenes access,” he had told the Herald Sun.
“Opening the doors and giving media greater access is something that would no doubt enhance the fan experience and the quality of the AFL product.
“Players see this as the opportunity to lead a cultural shift that will bring fans even closer to the action.”
The network took it to a new level after the Bulldogs’ grand final rematch win over the Swans, with Taylor wandering around the rooms grabbing any player he bumped into for a chat.
With some players clearly uncomfortable with the intrusion after a taxing four quarters of footy, fans were left to lament the series of awkward interviews they were subjected to on live television.
What is this BT free-for-all in the rooms @7AFL? It's just weird! #AFLDogsSwans
â Lauren Hilbert (@laurenhilbert) March 31, 2017
Players don't want to talk to Brian Taylor as much as the general public don't want to listen to his commentary. #AFLDogsSwans
â Tom Staggard (@tomstaggard) March 31, 2017
Players are icing Brian Taylor in the rooms #AFLDogsSwans
â Mike Costello (CA) (@CostelloMikeJ) March 31, 2017
BT is basically that cringe worthy relative that comes to Christmas lunch and makes all the kids feel incredibly awkward. #AFLDogsSwans
â Chantelle Pearn (@Channy_Lou89) March 31, 2017
I would rather run some more laps of oval then be interviewed in rooms straight after the game by BT #AFLDogsSwans
â Simon Shillabeer (@shilly33) March 31, 2017