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Vale: Mike Williamson

Pioneering football commentator Mike Williamson, has died.

Pioneering football commentator Mike Williamson, has died, aged 90.

Williamson joined Seven in 1959 as part of their VFL commentary team, and hosted variety and quiz shows, including Tell the Truth and The Penthouse Club, alongside Mary Hardy.

In the 1970 Grand Final between Carlton and Collingwood when Alex Jesaulenko flew over ruckman Graeme ‘Jerker’ Jenkin late in the second quarter, he uttered the immortal words, “Jesaulenko, you beauty”.

He also commentated sport for 3AK and 3AW and was the face of Seven’s tennis coverage in its early days.

After leaving Seven at the end of 1976, he switched to Channel Nine where he was involved in cricket and tennis coverage.

Williamson was awarded an Order of Australia in 2006 for his charity work.

Source: AFL

5 Responses

  1. As a kid I remember going to see a recording of Tell the Truth. And I was lucky enough to meet him after the show. RIP Michael Williamson

  2. From the AFL website here are some great Mike Williamson Highlights. I think he bought genuine emotion to the commentary box…not like todays commentators.

    afl.com.au/news/2019-05-02/vale-mike-williamson-legendary-commentator-passes-away

  3. Sad to hear this news. Mike was a great football commentator. Seeing some of the old footage on the ABC website, shows how great the commentary on channel 7 was in those days. Far better than the modern era. Fond memories of Mike on Tell the Truth and The Penthouse Club. Mike and Mary on The Penthouse Club after the footy replay used to make our Saturday nights.

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