The Score: Why The Front Bar won’t cover cricket while Jack Riewoldt cracks some gags

THERE’S no doubt The Front Bar is a ratings winner for Channel 7, but cricket fans won’t see a replica of the popular format for one reason.

The Front Bar hosts Andy Maher, Mick Molloy and Sam Pang

IT’S been the dominant TV force of the winter which is why it makes a lot of sense for The Front Bar to don the whites.

Given Channel 7 is taking over the cricket this season, having its No. 1 sports show as part of the coverage throughout the summer ticked a lot of boxes.

The Front Bar has been a ratings bonanza with the trio of Mick Molloy, Sam Pang and Andy Maher smashing The Footy Show into submission … and almost death.

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Given how well the format works, switching the content to cricket was a no-brainer with plenty of great cricket legends having stories to tell behind the bar.

Unfortunately, this idea didn’t get too far past first base before it hit a sponsorship snag.

As we know the program’s main sponsor is Carlton Draught and they certainly get value for the money with the hosts drinking some of the company’s finest drop throughout each episode.

The Front Bar’s Andy Maher, Mick Molloy and Sam Pang

The issue here is that Cricket Australia last year swapped breweries, switching from CUB to Lion, the maker of XXXX Gold.

Understandably, Mick and Co. didn’t see any positives about sipping XXXX on the bar so the cricket idea was parked for the time being.

In good news for Front Bar fans a special one-off racing edition of the show is planned for the coming weeks.

JACK’S GOT GAGS

JACK Riewoldt was at his comedic best on Tuesday night after winning his second Jack Dyer Medal.

In a hilarious acceptance speech the Tigers spearhead didn’t miss his parents while also revealing how he was set to become a father in March and that he couldn’t believe his wife was allowing him to go to Thailand with Dustin Martin on the club’s footy trip.

“Every year I make this gag, and it’s not going to be able to run out this year, because my bloody mum and dad have actually turned up for once,” Riewoldt said.

Richmond’s best-and-fairest winner Jack Riewoldt.

“It’s only taken 12 years. Thanks very much, and as I always say, you’re the best parents I’ve ever had.

“I’d like to thank my beautiful wife. We’re 11 months married, coming up to the first year anniversary which is very exciting, and expecting our first child in March next year. I’m really looking forward to that.

“And tonight she outdid herself and allowed me to go to Thailand with Dustin tomorrow. It’s only cost Dustin a couple of business class seats to Thailand and a new Prada handbag.”

Riewoldt also revealed how coach Damien Hardwick had a musical theme behind his pre-match speeches throughout the season using legendary bands such as AC/DC, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, the Beatles and The Bee Gees for inspiration.

But he missed the mark for the preliminary final with Freddie Mercury letting the Tigers down.

“Unfortunately in the last round Queen couldn’t get us over the line,” Riewoldt said.

Former Richmond president Gary March.

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire. Picture: Jason Edwards

EDDIE’S EVERYWHERE

FORMER Richmond president Gary March had the odd run-in with Collingwood boss Eddie McGuire during his tenure at Punt Rd.

March led the Tigers from 2005 to 2013 which meant he’d often butt heads with the Magpies supremo.

We’re not sure where their relationship ended but March may be dropping a hint with the naming of a horse after Eddie.

The Danny O’Brien-trained three-year-old gelding has been called Mcguire with its breeding — Toorak Toff out of Do Gooda.

He makes his debut in Race 4 at Kyneton tomorrow over the 1450m.

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