Harry Beitzel was a footy media pioneer who dared to be different — and it worked

MELBOURNE broadcaster Harry Beitzel, who died yesterday aged 90, was a man of ideas. In an era before today’s all-encompassing footy media he dared to be different.

Two of the game’s great ideas men: Kevin Sheedy and Harry Beitzel.

LEGENDARY footy commentator Harry Beitzel, who died yesterday aged 90, was a man of ideas.

His career began in umpiring before gaining national prominence as a highly successful football broadcaster as 3AW’s chief footy caller for 16 years.

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As an umpire Beitzel reached the top in 182 games in the VFL from 1948-1960, including the 1955 Grand Final won by Melbourne over Collingwood, and he was regarded as an umpire who let the game flow and one who was quick with a line of encouragement to players.

But he was drawn to the world of radio and television.

And he was very good at it, placing heavy emphasis on statistics and becoming No. 1 at a succession of radio stations including 3KZ and 3AW before branching into television, where he worked for the ABC and Channel 9.

Harry Beitzel during his distinguished VFL umpiring career.

Harry Beitzel has passed away, aged 90.

He was a breath of fresh air in a media world that was known for its conservatism, Beitzel being an excitable and at times controversial addition.

He paved the way for broadcasters with a point of difference, Rex Hunt being an obvious case in point.

“Unlike some in the industry, Harry Beitzel was only too happy to encourage youngsters starting off. He gave me my first chance as an around the grounds caller in 1979 and then, much to the annoyance of his co-caller Bill Jacobs, allowed me to call a couple of games,” said Hunt, who remained friendly with Beitzel until his death.

“He would always encourage you to be yourself, saying, ‘If you fail son then at least you will have done so being your own person’.

His commentary captured the passion of the game and he had an amazing rapport with the players, which was an achievement in itself given he had come from an umpiring background.

“The other thing about Harry Beitzel is what a genuine and caring soul he was, one who will be remembered unkindly by some for the trouble he ran into when working for Soccer Pools.”

Vale Harry Beitzel.
A gentleman who was always generous with his time and advice.
And a fantastic @AFL commentator.

— Stephen Quartermain (@Quartermain10) August 13, 2017

In 1989 Beitzel was accused of obtaining financial advantage by deception while working as a promoter for Soccer Pools.

He was convicted in late 1994 and served eight months at a minimum security prison farm, despite maintaining his innocence until his death.

Beitzel said any deception on his part was unintentional and that he only pleaded guilty because a former business associate had fled overseas, leaving him with no defence.

He was embarrassed by the public shame and partly withdrew from the public life he so loved, but was deeply touched in 2000 when inducted into the MCG Media Hall of Fame and six years later into the Australian Football Hall of Fame for his media work.

Beitzel introduced pre and post-match commentary, attempting to involve the public every step of the way.

He also introduced around-the-grounds commentators and formed a legendary partnership with Tommy Lahiff, whose often heard “can you hear me, Harry?” is part of radio folklore.

Harry Beitzel was a pioneer in TV, radio and print media.

Beitzel was a natural speaker and a forerunner in the world of sportsmen’s nights.

A young Richmond coach named Tommy Hafey liked what he saw and invited Beitzel to address his players prior to their successful 1967 Grand Final challenge against Geelong.

As his career blossomed he went into publishing, producing a highly entertaining publication titled Footy Week in the 1960s-70s.

He was also employed as a contributor for the Herald Sun along with The Truth and The Australian.

Beitzel also pioneered the concept of International Rules Football, taking a an Australian side dubbed the Galahs to Ireland in 1967 and the following year going on a world tour to Ireland, England and the United States, plus exhibition games of Australian rules in Bucharest, Romania. All part of a man who dared, and succeeded, in being different.

NEWS REPORT: Beitzel dies aged 90