Vale: Bob Davis
Seven mourns football veteran and TV sports pioneer Bob Davis, who died on Monday, aged 82.
- Published by David Knox
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The Seven Network today issued a statement following the passing of football veteran and TV sports pioneer Bob Davis, who died last night, aged 82:
Davis was a Geelong captain and premiership coach but he wawas a pioneer of sports broadcasting and particularly the magazine show format.
He started as a match-day commentator with Seven in 1959 before entertaining generations of Australians over four decades on programs including World of Sport, League Teams and Sportsworld.
With his signature catchphrase “fair dinkum unbelievable” Bobby was revered for his cackling laugh and sense of fun as well as his insights into the game. Alongside fellow football legends Lou Richards and Jack Dyer he also became known as one of the so-called ‘Three Wise Monkeys’ on League Teams every Thursday night, their largely unscripted banter winning legions of fans everywhere.
He remained on air with Seven’s Footy Panel show until 2001.
His loss is felt by all at Seven, including long-time colleague and sports presenter Sandy Roberts, former Geelong captain and AFL commentator Tom Harley and journalist Rebecca Maddern, Geelong Football Club’s number one female ticket holder.
Channel Seven Melbourne general manager Lewis Martin said:
“Bob Davis was not only a great football personality on Channel Seven, he was a television pioneer and his legacy can be seen today in sports entertainment television.
“He was and always will be a beloved member of the Seven family from who we learned a great deal. Bob will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Margaret and the Davis family.”
Long-time football producer Gordon Bennett, who worked with Davis on League Teams and World of Sport, said:
“Bob was a natural. He didn’t need a script, he didn’t need make-up, and it didn’t matter if the cameras were on or off. He was just good TV. He was funny and he made sense.
“But he never had an ego, even though he deserved to have one. He was always a good bloke, he was always dressed impeccably, he always stopped to talk with fans, and he always loved football.”
9 Responses
I was not watcing tv when Bob Davis was on 7. But from the clips that they have shown over recent years of his media carreer i think that he epitomised what used to be good about the management style of Tv back then. The hosts were free to effectively do what they please and it was entertaining now we have pc ness and so much redtape and the people in the tv industry are all about making money not about the show or entertainment, very sad. Also back then 7 was the innevator now well they are a copier. I see alot of World of Sport and League teams in the Afl shows which 9 air.
Rest In Peace Bob.
A true Legend & Gentlemen.
My prayers & thoughts go to his family, friends & the Geelong Football Club.
A true legend on and off the field. I am sure there will be a tribute to Bob Davis during The Footy Show as well as Friday’s AFL match between Carlton and Geelong.
Great Player and Coach, but also ahead of his time on TV.
He was a good man.
RIP Bob, so sad when these legends pass on. To this day, the smell of a roast cooking reminds me of my childhood, watching World of Sport with my dad, while mum cooked a roast.
he was a legend and character. fair dinkum unbelievable
Very sad loss of a true legend of football. RIP Bobby.
As a ‘CatFan’ I’m well aware of Bobby’s impact on my club and Aussie Rules Football in general. Along with Lou and Jack he helped to grow the game’s exposure in the media and will long be remembered for his playing and coaching achievements at Geelong. RIP Bob Davis, a fair dinkum unbelievable football legend.