41 games. 5 states: Bumper AFLW season for WARF Radio

WARF Radio has paid tribute to its team of volunteers – spread around Australia – who broadcast a record 41 AFLW games this season.

Every broadcast was 100% volunteer produced and live from the ground, across five different states.

WARF Radio Founder and commentator Peter Holden (pictured above) tells Radio Today “My original idea was to hope we could call ten games with a handful of commentators, but instead it grew into this monster.”

“We were not just lucky enough to have (former ABC broadcaster) Dan Lonergan, (SEN Track hosts) Damian Watson and Darren Parkin join us throughout the season, but an entire team of experienced broadcasters from South Australia.”

Holden says it’s crazy to think that talent like ex-Life FM and ex-5RPH SANFL broadcasters Phil Herden, Phil Aspinall, John Nankivell and Chris Kendall weren’t being utilised by mainstream broadcasters.

“They approached me mid-season looking for a chance to call just one game, and ended up doing the last three rounds, aided by three-time SANFLW Premiership coach Krissie Steen.”

Since starting back in June 2014 purely as a service to the women’s football community, WARF Radio has become a recognised pathway for those seeking a career in sports media.

As to whether WARF Radio will return next season, Holden says only time will tell.

“There are a lot of discussions to be had in the new year.”

“There’s also the AFL Broadcast Academy idea I have kicking around in my head. I’m hoping to work on a strategy document for that at some stage in the near future.”

Photo: Alex Docherty (left) and Brent Sternberg at Bellerive Oval, Tas.

Volunteers who helped put together this year’s coverage:

Victoria based: Brent Sternberg, Katie Lambeski, Alex Docherty, Tara Murray, Dan Lonergan, Lowana Williams, Liam Vertigan, Federica Frew, Brendan Rhodes, Sophie Fazzolari, Damian Watson, Frankie Hocking, Neil Butler, Erin Meade, Ollie Walker-Peel, Cecilia McIntosh, Toby Hansen, Alyce Collett, Darren Parkin, Callum O’Connor, Daniel Hill, Peter Holden.

Queensland based: Chris Yeend, Hannah Davies, Daniel Viles, Rebecca Randazzo, Jess Malouf, Ash Williamson

New South Wales based: Fiona Lamb, Lisa ‘Coach Kiwi’ Roper, Kristy Williams

*Main photo: Chris Yeend (closest to camera), Daniel Viles and Ash Williamson at Brighton Homes Arena, Qld.

*Photos  supplied.