Mick Molloy on the Adelaide pandas and why Victorians love Gather Round as Channel 7’s The Front Bar to returns to SA

Co-host Mick Molloy shares his thoughts on why Victorians are so passionate about Gather Round, reveals his dream Front Bar guest list, and reflects on that infamous fruit fly joke.

Mick Molloy says he’s hoping to lure a couple of South Australian icons onto The Front Bar when the hit TV show returns for Gather Round next week.

Panellists Molloy, Andy Maher and Sam Pang are heading back to Adelaide Oval for the live show on April 9, which will open Seven’s coverage of the Festival of Footy.

Molloy said he can’t wait to take the cult program on the road for a third straight year, and he has a couple of dream guests in mind.

“We’ve had everyone from Modra to Blighty... but we’d love to get Bruce (McAvaney) on in front of the Adelaide crowd. That would be extraordinary,” he said.

“I’d also like to get the two pandas on the show, maybe we can get them to have r**t on-air, get them to do the right thing.”

Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher from The Front Bar.

Crows champion Mark Ricciuto and father-daughter duo Erin and Greg Phillips have been locked in for the live taping in the William Magarey Room.

“I still owe Mark some money from his (former) pub the Alma (Tavern). I’ve got an outstanding drink account there that I’m refusing to pay,” Molloy said with a chuckle.

Two years after he was criticised in SA parliament for making a joke about smuggling fruit over the border, Molly said he has a new plan to get around the state’s tough laws.

“I’ve learned my lesson. What I’m bringing over this year is a can of fruit salad,” he said.

“I’ll check it in at the airport, so stand by.”

The popular funnyman said Gather Round – and the revamp of Adelaide Oval – had played a huge role in turning around Victorians’ perception of South Australia.

“Gather Round is like Christmas for AFL fans. People from Victoria now love coming over to watch their team play. It’s definitely moved the needle,” Molloy said.

Andy Maher, Mick Molloy and Sam Pang on the set of The Front Bar.

“Half my friends are coming over to go and watch their teams. You bring your golf clubs, you book a couple of restaurants, you come with your mates, and you go, ‘That was a cracking weekend’.

“Previously at Footy Park, if your car had Victorian number plates, you’d be lucky if it didn’t end up on fire.”

And Molloy has a message to AFL House should they consider moving Gather Round away from SA.

“Someone would lose their job at the AFL if they moved it – it’s the perfect place for a weekend festival,” he said.

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Originally published as Mick Molloy on the Adelaide pandas and why Victorians love Gather Round as Channel 7’s The Front Bar to returns to SA