Matty G gets set for his first AFL Grand Final call with 3AW

Matt Granland is used to being in the AFL commentary box on Grand Final Day. But this Saturday’s Geelong-Brisbane blockbuster at the MCG will be the first Grand Final he’s ever called for 3AW.

Radio Today caught up with Matt a couple of days out from the big game.

“As it’s getting closer, you get a bit more nervous, just worrying about getting it right. If I can get through it – being accurate and not making any errors – I’ll be happy.”

Matt will be part of 3AW’s Grand Final Day on-air line up alongside Tim Lane, Matthew Lloyd, Jimmy Bartel and Jacqui Reed.

“I’m calling alongside Tim, probably one of the best sports broadcasters Australia has ever produced,” Matt says.

“He is just such a great person as well. So easy to work with. An absolute genius of a caller. I’ve learnt so much from him.”

Matt says Bartel and Lloyd also lend their experience and support.

Matt – who is married to former ARN Melbourne News Director Emily Hoskins – previously worked at SEN, where he called around a dozen AFL Grand Finals.

On departing the Melbourne sports station in 2018, he was quickly snapped up by 3AW and has been there ever since.

Adding an extra layer of interest to Saturday’s game is the fact Matt’s own favourite AFL team is playing, making it a true family affair.

“I’m a Geelong supporter. We’re a Geelong family. Em and our son Jay are going to the game.”

Matt says when it comes to footy coverage, whilst it might sound corny, radio really is theatre of the mind. It’s all about creating the picture for those  who may not have the opportunity to watch the game on TV.

“When I started calling, the ‘Three Ws’ were always drilled into me … Where is it? (as in, where is the ball?) Who’s got it? And What’s the score?”

Matt says it’s essential to get those fundamentals right.

“Because not everyone is listening to the whole call all the time. They might tune in for five minutes and want to know what the score is.”

The creative use of language and sound adds to the atmosphere.

Matt says the roar of the MCG crowd effectively provides the backing vocals for the radio call.

Prior to the first bounce, Matt grabs his binoculars and makes sure he studies all the finer details when the players run out onto the hallowed MCG turf, checking if anyone’s had a haircut, changed their hair colour or gone and got themselves a new tattoo.

Matt writes it all down as a point of reference, then he’s good to go.

Does he have any Match Day superstitions?

Well, whilst he’s not really into lucky socks or jocks, he does like to make a few toilet trips before he starts his call. Just in case!

“But then, I’ve got like eight bottles of water sitting next to me, so it’s kind of counter-intuitive!” he laughs.

*Image: X