AFMA Awards 2021: winners

The 2021 Australian Football Media Association Awards winners were revealed last night in a virtual event.

Caroline Wilson picked up two awards while FOX Footy’s On the Couch was named best program and Seven’s Daisy Pearce picked up Best Opinion / Analysis.

Seven Head of Network Sport, Lewis Martin, said: “On behalf of everyone at Seven, I’m rapt to congratulate Daisy on winning the AFMA’s Best Opinion/Analysis Award. It is a huge honour, but one that is thoroughly deserved. Daisy brings the same incredible passion, drive and footy smarts to her commentary that she has displayed for so long as one of the AFLW’s foundation superstars.”

TV and related winners were:

ALF Brown Award
Winners: Sam McClure, The Age and Caroline Wilson, Nine/The Age
The Alf is breaking new ground this year: it has produced a tie for the first time. The two winners produced the two biggest stories of the football year as highlights of outstanding bodies of work. They are also colleagues and friends. Wilson broke the bombshell story that led to Alastair Clarkson’s stunning departure from Hawthorn; McClure the racism story at Adelaide Football Club that a had massive impact throughout the AFL and the country.

Best Opinion / Analysis – Radio, TV
Winner: Daisy Pearce, Seven Network
Daisy speaks directly to the audience, providing insightful analysis of the game. She is natural and engaging and can dissect game plans and strategies in a concise and easy-to-digest manner. Daisy’s football knowledge is incredible and she leaves viewers with a better appreciation of the game.
Commendable Mention: Leigh Montagna, Fox Footy

Best Radio/TV News or Feature Reporting by an Individual
Winner: Caroline Wilson, Footy Classified, Nine
Even in a very strong field, Caroline’s entry stood out. Consistent with her work down the years, she broke stories others could not reach, related them clearly, left no doubt about their importance and had the strength of her convictions when challenged. As has always been the case, she was invariably proved right.
Commendable mention: Sam Edmund, SEN/AFL Nation

Best TV Program
Winner: On The Couch, FOX Footy
In an exceptionally strong field, On The Couch provided a perfect balance of football insight, opinion and entertainment. The program takes viewers inside the game, which is one of its greatest strengths, but it also references the broader aspects of the sport. It dissects complex strategies in a clear and concise manner, gives compelling insights into the mindset of its participants, and provides outstanding expert analysis. Importantly, there is a strong connection between the panellists, even when disagreeing.
Commendable Mention: Footy Classified, Channel 9 and Sunday Footy Show, Channel 9

Best TV Match Caller
Winner: Anthony Hudson, FOX Footy
Anthony’s commentary, in yet another difficult year for AFL commentators due to Covid protocols, delivered high-energy broadcasts to match the level of the occasions in stadia far from the commentary booth in Victoria. Hudson’s undeniable flair, always adding value to the pictures and never interrupting the rhythm of the game, and his effortless use of language made him a standout in a high quality group of entrants.
Commendable Mention: Brian Taylor, Seven Network

Source: Mediaweek