Outrage over iconic Adelaide AFL showdown between the Power and Crows will be commented from Melbourne studio: ‘Embarrassing and amateurish’
- Adelaide derby commentary from the Melbourne studio
- AFL fans are outraged, find it disrespectful
- Fox Footy has yet to confirm development
Footy fans are demanding answers amid growing speculation that Saturday’s derby between the Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide Power will be commentated from Fox Footy’s studio in Melbourne.
Respected AFL identity Gerard Healy revealed the development on SEN Radio, and it didn’t take long for supporters to vent their frustration online.
“I’m sure the audience of SA Footy [will] love that their iconic showpiece featuring one of the greatest rivalries in Australian sport is being called from Melbourne,” one fan tweeted.
Another asked, “Is any other major sports league worldwide doing this? So embarrassing and amateurish.’
Others pointed out that rival sports such as football, cricket and F1 often offer studio coverage, as opposed to live analysis from the ground up as a cost-cutting measure.
Footy fans are demanding answers amid speculation that Saturday’s derby between the Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide Power will be commentated from Fox Footy’s studio in Melbourne (pictured, Port Adelaide’s Travis Boak)
Ollie Wines (pictured left) looms as a key figure for the Power in the ‘Showdown’ derby
‘BBL [T20 cricket] did it all season. It’s the future, it has to start somewhere,” one tweeted, while another said, “What is the AFL doing about this? This used to be an absolute taboo in the industry and was once a contractual obligation for broadcasters to call from the location.
“Not good enough, they’ve dropped the standards so far. Dollar about fan experience and presentation of the game.’
According to sportsbet, Power will go into the third round of the AFL clash as the favourite, thanks to their impressive season-opening victory against the Brisbane Lions.
While Ken Hinkley’s men were outclassed by a ruthless final start from Collingwood, the Crows remain winless in 2023.
It follows defeats at the hands of the GWS Giants and Richmond Tigers.
Hinkley also made a roster statement, with star forwards Mitch Georgiades and Orazio Fantasia both dropped.
Port Adelaide have won five of their last six derbies, with action at Adelaide Oval starting at 7.30pm.
Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Fox Footy for comment.