Before the Game

Before The Game is an Australian rules football/comedy television show in Australia on the Ten Network hosted by Andrew Maher, with regular panellists including Peter Helliar, Dave Hughes, Sam Lane, and Lehmo. The format of the show is a light-hearted discussion of issues relating to the weekend's matches played so far in the Australian Football League. Anthony Hudson was a co-host in 2005.

After the Game

Before The Game first aired during 2003 as After The Game. Originally, it was a half-hour broadcast following the Saturday night AFL match, aired at either 10.30 or 11.00 (depending on whether the televised match was live or delayed). During the existence of After the Game, the show was rated M and contained occassional coarse language. The show was a cult hit.

Before the Game

Following the show's success in its late timeslot, it was moved to a 6.30 slot in 2004. When it moved to the Primetime slot, due to popularity, it was given a PG rating (but this had little effect on its comedy). It screened before Channel Ten's coverage of a Saturday night AFL game, and a post-match show called The Fifth Quarter screened in its place.

The show airs on a Saturday night at 6:30 between the Saturday afternoon and Saturday night matches. It usually goes for one hour, but sometimes a shorter half-hour version airs, if the AFL match to follow is live at 7:00 (It is delayed in Sydney).

Regular segments

When the show started there was a segment called "The Game's not over till the Fat lady sings", where an overweight lady would go to a game and sing when she thought that the Game was over. This segment was scraped due to the fat lady being fired for singing after the siren had gone. And another segment that was on the earlier program was Diary of a Footballer. When a well known footballer would read out a page of thier diary. Also popular is the Banners segment.

Bryan Strauchan

A regular segment on the show follows talentless, overweight youngster Bryan Strauchan (played by Peter Helliar) as he tries to make a career for himself at the Collingwood Football Club.

Tool of the Week

The Tool of the Week is an award given by Dave Hughes and sponsored by Home Hardware. The award is given to a particularly embarrassing performance by an AFL player, either on- or off-field. The "best" or most memorable of these Tools is given the "Tool of the Year".

Production details

Before The Game is produced by Roving Enterprises, the TV production company owned by Rove McManus, the Australian "funnyman" who hosts his own comedy/interview show Rove Live. Peter Helliar also appears on Rove Live, as Rove's regular sidekick.