Coodabeen Champions switches from ABC Radio to ACE Radio’s 3MP

Former Editor & Content Director

AFL radio show Coodabeen Champions will have a new home in 2022, with the group ditching the ABC for ACE Radio’s 3MP.

The show has been on-air since 1981, when it kicked off on community station 3RRR., but has been with the ABC for the past 27 years.

The new show will start in March 2022 on Melbourne’s 3MP and be syndicated across ACE’s network of stations throughout regional Victoria. It will run from 4pm to 6pm on Fridays, as well as being available on the app and as a podcast.

Team member Ian Cover said they’re enthused by the prospect of broadcasting to listeners across the network’s 10 stations.

“ACE offers the best of all worlds – 3MP is a growing Melbourne radio brand, they have a strong heritage in communities throughout regional Victoria and a suite of platforms which allow us to connect with listeners everywhere,” he said.

“We’ll be taking the show on the road at times, broadcasting from local footy grounds, sampling the canteens and meeting the people of our great state.”

Mark Taylor, 3MP general manager and ACE Radio CEO, said the Coodabeens’ brand and humour will be a great fit for the station.

“The Coodabeens are a household name, not only in Melbourne but right across the state,” he said.

“We’re very excited about them presenting their show on Friday afternoons when people are winding down from work and gearing up for the footy.”

The show consists of Cover as well as Jeff Richardson, Simon Whelan, Greg Champion, Billy Baxter, Andy Bellaira and ‘Torch’ McGee.

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Luke
25 Oct 2021 - 8:12 pm

Friday? Not Saturday mornings 10-12?

    26 Oct 2021 - 9:09 am

    Hi Luke,

    Yes. I double checked this. The program will kick off in March and run from 4pm to 6pm Fridays.

    Thanks,
    Vivienne – Radio Today

Brian Andrews
15 Nov 2021 - 5:42 pm

I’ll miss them on Saturday

Terry Houlihan
26 Feb 2022 - 5:34 pm

Disastrous! Saturday will never be the same! Still working at that hour Friday so what has been an institution for me has now gone though the ads would’ve driven me away anyway.

Peter Curtin
19 Mar 2022 - 10:38 am

Friday: no good. Been on board since ‘83, bar the 3AW disaster this is the worst call, so sad. No Friday night game summary. Saturday mornings “bring it back”

Gary Mawby
19 Mar 2022 - 4:16 pm

If they’re not on Saturday mornings I’m NOT listening!!!!

Allanna Knight
25 Mar 2022 - 11:17 pm

Just found out why Coodabeens weren’t on ABC last Saturday. Cannot believe it. I am devastated. Cannot believe you would do this to your fans. Avid listener. I guess last year’s Grand Final Show was my last, wished I’d known. Big loss for East Gippsland fans but I guess you don’t care. So let down.

Drew
26 Mar 2022 - 10:49 am

Totally guttered
Coodabeens been apart of my Saturdays since I could remember….
Sadly sadly missed…
Saturdays will never be same..

Drew Sims

Shepparton

Peter
2 Apr 2022 - 10:08 am

That’s the end for me
Bad time and wrong station

Lorraine Harris
2 Apr 2022 - 10:22 am

Even though I am not a footy fan I loved this show. Saturday mornings will never be the same. Boo Hoo

Marg
2 Apr 2022 - 11:03 am

Devastated

Elaine
3 Apr 2022 - 11:32 am

We won’t be listening. It was a Saturday tradition for us to listen on the way to the local footie. Bye Pearl!

Damian Anderson
4 Apr 2022 - 2:36 pm

Not sure what all the fuss is about here. You can listen to the podcast on the weekend at any time that suits.

You have to admire these blokes, 4 different radio stations in 40 years. Sterling effort lads.

Cheryle Spink
9 Apr 2022 - 9:06 am

Very disappointed that they were Axed from ABC Radio. Loved this show. Saturday mornings are not the same without the Coodabeen Champions, their humour, songs and general conversation is very entertaining. Sometimes we want entertainment not constant info feed.

Allmanator
9 Apr 2022 - 8:30 pm

Yep, I simply play the podcast 10am Saturday. Still quality.

Yvonne
14 May 2022 - 12:32 pm

Did they jump or were they pushed? Saturdays will never be the same again. I’m assuming the podcast will have ads? If so, I’m out. That’s why I stick with the ABC.

Ian Catt
26 Jun 2022 - 2:31 pm

Total disregard to loyal listeners by the Coodabeens dumping the ABC. Very disappointed in them, chasing the mighty $$$ no doubt. Lost me forever.
Ian June 26

Simon
20 May 2023 - 10:12 am

Can’t handle ads. So sad they have gone . Sat morning was a special time Digger wouldn’t stand for it.

Jobs

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