Brian Taylor, the Seven Network’s chief AFL caller, has been honoured with a life membership award at the 2023 Australian Football Media Association (AFMA) Awards, while Seven’s The Front Bar was awarded Best TV Program for a second straight year.
Taylor has been a key member of football’s #1 commentary team since he joined Seven in 2012. He is also a dual winner of the Lou Richards Medal and Most Outstanding Caller award for his impeccable football knowledge and match-calling skills, paired with his signature infectious personality and humour.
Taylor said: “I think 44 years I have been involved in football, 33 of those in the media, I have just been given so many opportunities by so many different people.”
“I had the opportunity to work alongside callers like Bruce McAvaney, it was just amazing to work with someone of that ilk. Bruce was always standing behind you… he was a coach to us all.
“To be involved in this industry, it has been my absolute life, and I owe everything to the people who have supported me along the way. There are too many to mention by name, but to all those people, I am indebted to you, and it is because of you that I get to do what I love.”
For the second consecutive year, The Front Bar, hosted by Mick Molloy, Sam Pang and Andy Maher, was named the Best TV Program at Tuesday night’s awards ceremony.
The AFMA committee said: “The Front Bar continues to be a leader in the category of the Best TV Program.
“As well as presenting and discussing the current issues in what can only be described as a unique style, the trio also take their audience down memory lane with a great selection of former players who reflect on their illustrious careers, which are often the centre of some embarrassing moments from their highlight reel. Full of originality, The Front Bar is a joy to watch.”
Mick Molloy, Sam Pang and Andy Maher
Lewis Martin, managing director Seven Melbourne and head of network sport, said: “On behalf of everyone at Seven, I am rapt to congratulate BT and our team at The Front Bar for their richly deserved recognition at this year’s AFMAs.
“An integral member of Seven’s AFL broadcast team, nobody knows and loves footy more than Brian Taylor.
“From calling the biggest and best moments of our great game, to his support for grassroots community football over many years, Brian’s deep passion for the game remains at the forefront of everything he does,” he said.
“Everyone’s favourite, The Front Bar, brings a unique and refreshing take on the best footy stories of today and yesteryear and the entire team including Mick, Sam and Andy and the broader production team thoroughly deserve this recognition.”