This Wednesday night, The Front Bar officially opens happy hour for the 2021 AFL season.
Mick Molloy, Sam Pang and Andy Maher will assume their usual positions at the bar on Channel Seven and 7plus on Wednesday, at 8.30pm in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, and 11.00pm in Sydney and Brisbane.
Molloy said The Front Bar team was raring to go for the season opener, but only after a blockbuster off-season move that would have rocked the AFL world ultimately fell over.
“I was going to replace Bruce McAvaney, but I told Seven Friday nights were no good. And Saturdays I play golf. And Sunday arvos I generally like to have a nap,” Molloy said.
“Plus, I said it’s a deal breaker if I’m not allowed to swear in my commentary. If they want colour commentary, they’ll get colour commentary!”
Wednesday night’s show is set to feature Richmond legend Kevin Bartlett and The Front Bar regular Ryan “Fitzy” Fitzgerald set to drop by, while the team will pay tribute to Bruce McAvaney after the broadcasting icon’s decision to step back from calling AFL games.
After Molloy last year proved a man of his word by opening the season with a Mabior Chol hairstyle, will he unveil the Kevin Bartlett haircut he promised if the Tigers won back-to-back premierships?
Andy Lee also confirmed to Mediaweek earlier this year that he will continue to appear on The Front Bar and that it feels effortless to film.
“I love talking footy and I love having a beer. Last year during Covid-19 it was the only place you could get a beer in Victoria, so I felt particularly lucky.
“I grew up loving Mick Molloy who was an icon of mine from my radio days which got me heading down that path to do radio, and ironically ended up on the same station doing the same time slot as him all those years later. Working with Mick and becoming pals with him has been awesome.”
The Front Bar – Wednesday, Channel 7 and 7plus 8.30pm: Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth 11.00pm: Sydney and Brisbane