The Score: Ex-Sydney media manager Jonathon Monasso named All-Star Mile Ambassador

Timing and omens are everything in racing and in life and ex-Sydney Swans media manager Jonathon Monasso is a prime example after his name was plucked out of voting for All-Star Mile Ambassadors, just months after starting cancer treatment.

Jonathon Monasso is one of 10 All-Star Mile Ambassadors after voting in the Mick Price-trained racehorse Grunt, who he’s pictured with alongside wfe, Julia, and one-year-old son, Bruno. Picture: Mark Stewart

Timing and omens are everything in racing and life. Just ask Jonathon Monasso.

The former AFL and Sydney Swans communications manager is one of 10 All-Star Mile Owner Ambassadors after he had his name pulled out for voting in the Mick Price-trained Grunt.

Monasso stands to pocket $250,000 if Grunt wins the richest mile race and at worst he pockets $10,000 if he finishes last.

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The exciting news is exactly what the doctor ordered for the well-liked PR man who has been receiving cancer treatment for the past six months.

“I was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma so I haven’t been able to work for the past six months,” Monasso explained.

“I’m now in remission and my last chemo session is the Tuesday before the race (on March 16) so it’s really going to be a celebration for the end of chemo.”

Jonathon Monasso meets racehorse Grunt, alongside wife Julia and their one-year-old son, Bruno. Picture: Mark Stewart

Monasso met Price and Grunt on Monday at Caulfield for a photo shoot although it felt weird given his trademark flowing black hair and beard are no longer.

“When people see the photos they won’t know it’s me, I felt like I was wearing a costume,” he says.

Jonathon Monasso is one of 10 All-Star Mile Owner Ambassadors to be announced. If Grunt wins the richest mile race, he stands to pocket $250,000. Picture: Mark Stewart

Monasso, who ran the media team at last year’s Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, describes himself as a regulation racing fan who has never come close to a five-figure sum on the track previously.

“It’s certainly going to be the best collect I’ve ever had at the races,” he said.

Almost 140,000 votes were cast with Grunt finishing third on 7097. The Flemington mile specialist is rated a $9 chance with three wildcards to still be added to the field.

THE TWEET

We’re not sure the English fans should be slinging too much mud just yet given what has just transpired against the West Indies but hats off for being inventive.

It's almost time for the Oscars!

Who gets your vote for Best Supporting Actor? #Oscars2019 pic.twitter.com/jSSre5vdoG

— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) February 24, 2019

AFL MISSES MARK WITH AFLX MEDIA OP

The AFL is obsessed with everything American.

On Friday night they were in overdrive US mode with the AFLX and all the fanfare surrounding it.

And it was a success with the players clearly enjoying it along with some decent numbers in TV land and in attendance.

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But once again the league stumbled at the final frontier … media access.

In the States players are interviewed sitting at their lockers just minutes before they even run out to play.

Anyway, back to Friday night and given how keen the AFL was to pump up it’s new game you’d think it would be open locker rooms for reporters and cameras.

Think again.

Jack Riewoldt and Patrick Cripps celebrate during AFLX.

A handful of players were brought into a small room after the final with star players allocated to journos.

But then that didn’t even happen in a couple of circumstances despite the superstar players like Patrick Cripps saying they were more than happy to talk up AFLX.

Strangely some overbearing AFL officials were more concerned about ushering the stars out than pumping up what had been an exciting night.

THE WHISPER

We hear there won’t be a Nathan Buckley reunion on AFL360 this year with the Pies coach knocking back an approach to return to the desk.