Latest news with #EssendonBombers
News.com.au
12 hours ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
West Australia left seeing red in State of Origin blunder
Oh WA media, give it a rest will you? Like it or not, rugby league is here to stay. The state's paper The West Australian did its best this week to try to make citizens forget one of the country's biggest sporting spectacles was happening in the heart of their city, State of Origin. That didn't exactly work out how they'd hoped. The paper virtually refused to promote the game at all in the lead-up, with only a small story at the back-end of the sport section on Monday, and not a single mention of it at all one day out. The event was also missing from Channel 7's news bulletin. The 'State of Origin's back' header finally appeared on the front page on Wednesday, which at first glance was a nod to the game. But on closer look it appeared to poke fun at the event, promoting WA's Fremantle Dockers against Victoria's Essendon Bombers clash on Thursday night instead. Not to mention the strategic placement of their only game day story beside the ads for escort services. But not even The West Australian's blatant disregard and mockery of rugby league was enough to deter its state from churning out in numbers for Wednesday night's blockbuster. Of the 57,000 crowd in the downpour of rain at Optus stadium — which was almost a 62,000 sellout — around 47,000 were Perth locals. Ironically the next night, for The West's 'state of origin' battle between Fremantle and Essendon, the AFL could only manage 37,570 fans at the same venue. The best the paper could do? A salty response the next morning: 'One bunch of East Coasters beat another at rugby in Perth last night.' That's got to feel like a bit of egg on your face. But it seems not much will change as the state media continues to virtually deny the code exists despite growing admiration for it among fans and the announcement of new NRL franchise the Perth Bears coming in 2027. The angst is possibly the ugly ramification of a rift between Seven West media boss Kerry Stokes and the NRL's Peter V'landys, as well as the media organisation's bid to reduce any threats to stay atop the code war in an AFL dominated region. V'landys recently appointed former West editor Anthony De Ceglie as the inaugural Bears chief executive to overlook the new franchise's success in the state. That may not be as difficult a job as the newspaper wants the country to believe, with Wednesday's game bringing in almost 200,000 Perth TV viewers atop the crowd, proving broadcast interest is all on the rise. The paper's editor Chris Dore was adamant when he told The Sydney Morning Herald the appetite for rugby league was non-existent in WA. 'No one outside of rugby league writers in Sydney cares. The point is rugby league is simply not a mainstream sport in this town,' Dore said. 'Just the facts. Good on them for having a crack here. We have nothing against the game despite the carry-on from [Peter] V'landys' acolytes in the Sydney media about our coverage. 'It's just not remotely main game and never will be.' But the numbers say otherwise Chris. Don't fight it, this is happening It's time to accept WA craves rugby league.
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Longmuir shuts down viral video backlash
AFL: Fremantle Dockers coach Justin Longmuir spoke to the media following their round 15 victory over the Essendon Bombers.
News.com.au
6 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Scott backs Dons to respond against Freo
AFL: Essendon Bombers coach Brad Scott is backing his side to be able to bounce back from their 95-point loss and win against Fremantle.
News.com.au
14-06-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Scott admits Bombers game plan backfired
AFL: Essendon Bombers' Brad Scott speaks to the media after his side's heavy 56-151 defeat against Geelong Cats in Round 14 at the MCG.
Daily Mail
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Rival radio stars Andy Lee and Jack Post clash during 2025 AFL Round 13 at Melbourne Cricket Ground
Andy Lee and Jack Post went head-to-head at the 2025 AFL Round 13 match - not on the field, but behind the mic. The duo, who are rivals when it comes to the footy, exchanged some friendly back and forth banter on Sunday at Melbourne Cricket Ground as they introduced the much-anticipated game. Aussie comedian Andy, 43, who supports the Carlton Blues, wore a blue v-neck sweater over a white tee and some jeans, paired with a Blues scarf repping his team, and a logo-emblazoned cap. Media personality Jack, 37, who cheers on Essendon Bombers, opted for an oversized red and black hoodie over a pair of jeans. 'We are actually doing the pre-game,' Andy said in a video posted to Instagram before the showdown. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'It's going to be a little bit like Katy Perry,' he joked. Despite the Carlton Blues claiming victory, both Andy and Jack wore huge smiles throughout the night as they enjoyed the neck-in-neck game. Andy was spotted jetting into Melbourne on Saturday after a stint in New York, where Hollywood heavyweight Hugh Jackman weighed in on Andy's new business venture: an Aussie pub in the Big Apple. Andy opened his Australian-themed pub Old Mates in Manhattan, back in February. And last Tuesday, the Wolverine star, 56, took to social media to gush over the establishment which is backed by an owner's group that includes Hamish Blake, surfing legend Mick Fanning, as well as Hugh himself. 'Old Mates - how Aussie's eat in NYC. This pub is amazing!' Hugh posted on Instagram. He also shared a gallery of snaps including one which shows the fan favourite flashing his famous grin and posing in front of the venue with his arm around Andy. Hugh also shared a photo taken inside the bar with Andy and Australian-born NYC restaurateur Eddy Buckingham, who is also an investor in Old Mates. A third post shared to Hugh's account showed a stained glass window feature of the bar which spelled out 'New York'. Located in Downtown Manhattan's Financial District, the pub is in a heritage-listed 1840s Greek Revival building that spans all three floors. With the staff dressed in iconic, hard-yakka-inspired blue collared shirts and rugby polos, the pub wouldn't look out of place in The Rocks or at the end of Collins Street. The investors also include Andy Stone (Bluestone Lane), Pat Cummins, Ash Barty, Mick Fanning and Patty Mills.
