Pre Race Interviews

[Messenger]

Is there any point in doing pre race interviews as they are virtually scoring up, if it is to help/encourage punters, surely the vast majority have already made up their mind and our Sky minutes would be better employed by doing the interviews before they go out on the track. Thoughts?

[Messenger]

I know I can find fault too easily, I like to think that it is because that I take the good for granted and I am only interested in improving but that is not ideal so I should add to this thread that I think it is great that we are getting these extra minutes instead of being squeezed between dog races

[HISGEN65]

i think it is great Kevin...anything that modernises our sport & adds a little bit of insight to the general public is a good thing in my book.

[codywinnell]

I recon they're a great innovation and I think Jason, Blake and Gareth do a tremendous job with it. At this stage of the pre-race punters probably want to know tactically what might happen, so it's a final chance to get a comment from the driver while also showcasing a bit of colour and excitement from being "up close" to the action.

[codywinnell]

Reckon*

[sixgoalhero]

I think they are a great look for the sport and the presenters do a great job. I'm not someone that bets in the last few minutes either, but interviewing the drivers before they go out, you really don't get much from them, they seem to reveal a bit more at that later stage.

I was watching last Friday with my old man (who doesn't often bet on the trots), they interviewed Jason Lee, driving Jilliby Jitterbug and he pretty much gave the horse no chance of beating the fav, so my old man had a bet on I think it was Rocknroll Magic, which then bolted in, he was loving it and said how great the prerace interviews looked.

[codywinnell]

Fantastic stuff Eddie, glad you get something out of it and glad your old man backed a winner because of the interview! Also the other night Chris Svanosio was interviewed before driving Desdon Murruffy, I think it was. He was asked if he'd be pushing to the front and he basically said no he wouldn't be. So when he jagged back to last punters who heard him pre-race would not have been panicking too much because they knew he had no real intention of finding the front. Sure enough he burst home along the pegs late in the race for the win.

[Messenger]

I know I will be branded a snob but watching Gareth at Albion Park tonight, I think he has to be more professional and drop the 'mate' from every sentence

[codywinnell]

I know I will be branded a snob but watching Gareth at Albion Park tonight, I think he has to be more professional and drop the 'mate' from every sentence

You must have given up on the AFL years ago, Kevin? After all, all boundary riders since the big Dipper (and including him) have used the term "mate" regularly in their coverage.

In my opinion it's fair for you to say you don't like it, but to question his professionalism publicly feels a bit unfair. I think he's a dynamic performer in the media and our industry needs more like him.

[Messenger]

I am guessing you must be a fan of the Footy Show still Cody. How about - I don't like Gareth's interviewing style because I think it lacks a professional touch :)
If he is mates with them all, it will be simple for him to call them by their names - I will have to listen to him a bit longer in future to see what he calls the girls (sheila ?)

[codywinnell]

I am guessing you must be a fan of the Footy Show still Cody. How about - I don't like Gareth's interviewing style because I think it is unprofessional :)

Not sure what makes you think I'm a fan of The Footy Show, Kevin, but nope, you're a long way off the mark there I'm afraid.

Here's the "Googled" definition of "unprofessional". If you still feel you're right about Gareth, then good for you of course, but in my view as a former newspaper man, branding someone "unprofessional" is quite a slight.

unprofessional
ʌnprəˈfɛʃ(ə)n(ə)l/Submit
adjective
below or contrary to the standards expected in a particular profession.
"a report on unprofessional conduct"
synonyms: improper, unethical, unprincipled, unscrupulous, dishonourable, disreputable, unseemly, unbecoming, unbefitting, indecorous, unworthy, lax, negligent; More

[Messenger]

You were so quick that you did not see my edit
Going on your definition - unbecoming, indecorous, lax are all apt
As to what you want him to call the girls - I will stop being sexist and lets have him call them mate too

ps My reference to the Footy Show was because you seem to think that footballers are to be imitated as interviewers

pps Meant to say that I think it is 'below or contrary to the standards expected'

[codywinnell]

You were so quick that you did not see my edit
Going on your definition - unbecoming, indecorous, lax are all apt
As to what you want him to call the girls - I will stop being sexist and lets have him call them mate too

ps My reference to the Footy Show was because you seem to think that footballers are to be imitated as interviewers

pps Meant to say that I think it is 'below or contrary to the standards expected'

No, certainly have not suggested footballers should be imitated, Kevin, was more suggesting you'd obviously given up on all AFL broadcasting, including the ABC, because the commentators and presenters in that code - as is the case in NRL, V8 Supercars etc - all regularly use the word "mate" when chatting with participants

Does that mean I'd do it? Not necessarily. Does it make it "unprofessional"? No way IMO.

But obviously one is welcome not to like anything they don't want to like.