Plan to bring Before the Game back on Ten could trigger 2018 TV footy show war

A THREE-way TV footy show war could be about to erupt in 2018 after Peter Helliar made the first move towards bringing back the fan favourite that was axed in 2013.

A THREE-WAY TV footy show war could erupt in 2018 with Peter Helliar revealing that he would love to revive Before the Game.

The move comes after Dave Hughes rejoined Ten for new prime time show Hughesy … We Have a Problem.

Before the Game, the brainchild of Helliar, was dumped by Ten in late 2013 after a decade and 303 episodes on air.

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Before The Game in 2009. Mick Molloy, Dave Hughes, Sam Lane, Lehmo and Andy Maher.

Andy Maher hosted the show with regular panellists including Helliar, Hughes, Mick Molloy, Anthony Lehmann, Anthony Hudson, Samantha Lane and Neroli Meadows.

Helliar has confirmed that he contacted Hughes about resuscitating Before the Game when Hughes quit Nine and the AFL version of The Footy Show last month.

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Dave Hughes quit The Footy Show to go to Ten. Eddie, Sam Newman, Rebecca Maddern and Dave Hughes

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t send Dave a text when I heard he was leaving The Footy Show — that maybe we could have a word to (Ten) management (about bringing back Before the Game),” Helliar said.

“Before the Game was one of those shows that left (ended) not because of (poor) ratings really. It was just a decision that was made by a former board that isn’t there anymore.”

Peter Helliar says he is keen to revive Before the Game.

Hughes has indicated he would jump on board any reboot even though family commitments — he and wife Holly have three children — would probably prevent him appearing every week.

Helliar’s plan has gained added traction since it was announced that CBS would take over Ten.

The shock ratings success of Seven’s The Front Bar, which has toppled The Footy Show on occasion this year, has been another plus.

Former Before the Games stars Andrew Maher and Mick Molloy have teamed with Sam Pang for Seven’s footy show The Front Bar.

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“The Front Bar is basically our old cast,” Helliar said with a laugh. “I love The Front Bar with Andy and Mick and Sam Pang — but that has found its own thing — it has that nostalgic view of football.

“I’ve got very fond memories of Before the Game. It was a show that came out of my head. Who knows what different shape it could take now.”

Helliar also made regular appearances on Before the Game as Collingwood tragic Bryan Strauchan.

Peter Helliar’s Bryan “Strauchanie” Strauchan appeared on Before the Game.