Media Street: The Brownlow news that had everyone talking, Gill’s joke writer revealed and why Seven is skipping the September Club

It takes a fair amount of energy to be up on stage at the Brownlow Medal, so how do the heavy hitters of the AFL do it for so long? A special Media Street investigation reveals all.

Gillon McLachlan at the Brownlow Medal on Monday night. Picture: Getty Images

The Brownlow Medal is always a haven for gossip and there were some interesting nuggets dropped on Monday night.

With the big wigs from TV and radio all in the one room enjoying a few wines and champagnes, there is plenty of whispering going on.

For example, could a popular radio duo be mounting yet another comeback in an unlikely spot?

Also, is the much-hyped TV return of a big name set to be put on hold for another year?

And which TV reporter ditched his date and was a no-show at a recent AFL dinner after cracking it following a botched live cross?

GILL’S KEY TO BROWNLOW ENDURANCE?

Ever wondered what happens up on the stage on Brownlow Medal night?

It’s a long evening for the AFL contingent and a Media Street investigation can reveal what helped fuel Gillon McLachlan and his crew during Monday night’s count.

While the rest of the room indulged in champagne, wine and beers for the two-and-a-half hours of the count, the official group had a secret stash of assorted chocolates and lollies.

There was also a healthy element with a hommus dip and crackers option.

The AFL crew, which included new CEO Andrew Dillon, general manager customer and commercial Kylie Rogers and new football boss Laura Kane, are cut off once the count starts.

They’re not allowed to engage with anyone, even the broadcast crew, because they know the identity of the winner two hours in advance of when it’s officially announced.

The spread of treats for the AFL executives during the 2023 Brownlow Medal

Gillon McLachlan at the 2023 Brownlow. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

McLachlan revealed he was aware Brisbane’s Lachie Neale had caused the upset after two rounds on Monday night.

“We have got better at getting organised, so I have known earlier and earlier,” McLachlan told RSN 927.

“Six years ago I reckon I knew at around Rd 8 or 10. By this year the systems were better and I reckon we knew close to the start of the count maybe Round 1 or 2.

“You are up there on your own so you don’t talk to anyone, we are very careful about not having any engagement with Seven or the production or telling them anything.

“You are sort of in real time trying to produce between the four of us and try to look ahead to different parts of the count. We started shuffling the cards at about Rd 8 this year.

“Just trying to produce it and have a bit of fun with it. People think that’s good or bad or not, that is what we have decided to do and I think the thing worked out pretty well and we had a lot to work with late.”

WHO IS FEEDING GILL HIS LINES?

There has been a lot of attention on Gillon McLachlan’s speeches during his never-ending farewell tour.

The outgoing AFL CEO likes to throw in some zingers to keep the crowd happy and has zeroed in on some big names throughout the finals series.

Sam Pang, Craig Hutchison, Tom Browne, Geoffrey Edelsten and Luke Sayers have all copped drive-bys with some elite gags but it turns out McLachlan is getting a little bit of assistance.

Comedian Titus O’Reily, who carved out a living taking the mickey out of the AFL on Twitter, has been seconded into assisting Gil’s media man Jay Allen in crafting his speeches.

Gillon McLachlan seems to have had some help with his jokes. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

WHY 7 WON’T BE PART OF SEPTEMBER CLUB

Channel 7 are a shock absentee from the exclusive September Club at Saturday’s Grand Final.

In a move which has raised eyebrows at AFL headquarters the host broadcaster won’t have a marquee in the exclusive corporate village.

A ticket to the September Club, which is football’s version of the Birdcage at Flemington, is most sought after post game with all the industry’s movers and grovers rubbing shoulders and letting their hair down.

It’s understood the bean counters at Seven wanted to save some coin and were behind the surprise axing which hasn’t impressed some of the network’s stars who set themselves for a big day at the September Club every year.