Airdate: Sandy Roberts Presents

In this AFL-heavy week FOX Footy is screening a rather left-of-field special, Sandy Roberts presents on an ‘AFL speechwriter’ ‘The Wordsmith: Jimmy DiFanti.“

Whilst on the surface this looks like a special investigation of a story that was “too hot for network television,” there may actually be some tongues firmly in cheeks here.

“I knew the identity of ‘The Wordsmith’, but the story was deemed to be too hot at the time,” Roberts said.

“A lot of pressure was applied, but I’ll get to the bottom of any situation, no matter what it is. I’m just a good old fashioned journo. I wish there were more of me.

“Thankfully, together with FOX Footy, I am finally able to reveal the truth.”

In Sandy Roberts Presents: The Wordsmith, one of Australia’s most respected sports journalists, Sandy Roberts, exposes the controversial story of Jimmy DiFanti, AKA ‘The Wordsmith’.

From 1966 to 1977, one man pulled all the strings; called ‘The Wordsmith’, he served as the personal advisor and speechwriter to the four biggest VFL/AFL coaches of that era – Allan Jeans, Tommy Hafey, Ron Barassi and John Kennedy, Sr.

Until now, his story has remained largely untold.

“All of the great coaches of the era owe their Grand Final victories to one man, the same man,” Roberts said. “That is an indisputable fact.”

“The AFL has suppressed this story, pure and simple,” Roberts said
.
“I give full credit to my great mate John Kennedy for finally confessing. He gave me the evidence, but this has been the toughest investigation of my career.”

During the FOX Footy Special investigation, Roberts revealed that he quit Network Television when he was banned from reporting on the story.

Featuring exclusive interviews with John Kennedy Sr, Kevin Sheedy, Ian “Molly” Meldrum, Barry Breen, Scot Palmer, Malcolm Blight, Russell Holmesby, Lee Simon, David Parkin and Mike Sheahan, Sandy Roberts Presents: The Wordsmith lifts the lid on one of footy’s great cover ups.

8:30pm Wednesday 30th September Fox FOOTY.