By Alex Dalziel, Athos Sirianos and Will Watson.
If you haven’t heard, a major footy show has returned to the airways.
It’s funny, informative and the panellists have great chemistry – so no, it’s not Channel Nine’s AFL Footy Show.
It is, of course, Channel 31’s The Rushed Behind.
Helmed by maverick young footy journos in Athos Sirianos, Nick D’Urbano, Brooke Varney and Chris ‘Mr Nice’ Nice, this show is breaking boundaries on and off camera.
Here’s why it’s the best footy show on TV right now.
1. Chemistry
Unlike other footy shows where chemistry is stale and the humour is forced, The Rushed Behind is a breath of fresh air.
They’ve built a strong rapport with their audience – taking their millennial style commentary on our great game, to the world of television.
On air, every Thursday at 6:30pm on Channel 31, these four hosts are the most engaging we’ve seen in a long time and make it seem like they’ve been best friends for decades.
The Rushed Behind Episode 3 – Forming a Dynamic Team
The team at The Rushed Behind share their tips on how to form a dynamic media team.Credits:Director/Director of Photography – Daniel MirandaAssistant Directo…
2. Unique segments
They’re done with the same old tired and unoriginal schticks.
Instead, they offer segments like ‘VARney’ – where Brooke Varney takes a look back at a controversial call from the week – or ‘I Could’ve Done That’ – where Athos Sirianos challenges viewers to recreate on-field moments.
There’s also ‘Nick’s List’ and ‘What Caught My Eye’ to keep viewer thoroughly entertained.
3. Bias
Yes, this is a good thing.
These guys have no shame in who they support.
Chris is a rusted-on Saints man, while Nick will not let anyone disparage his beloved Magpies. The Rushed Behind have subscribed to the theory the objectivity is dead – so they may as well have a bit of fun with it.
4. Can’t be bought
There’s no official advertising on Channel 31, so you won’t see Chris Nice promoting something like a new cereal or the Montmorency Pharmacy (open 7 days at 45 Were St, Montmorency, VIC, 3094).
5. They haven’t been sued (yet)
For all their bias, the cast and crew are yet to receive a threatening letter from lawyers demanding they retract one of their typically outrageous comments. But that’s surely due to happen any day now – stay tuned.
6. Culturally diverse
Audiences are sick of seeing white males on-air all day every day.
The Rushed Behind, however, boasts a truly multicultural cast and crew. On the panel, Greece, Italy, Sri Lanka, Malta and Australia are all represented, with members of the crew coming from as far afield as El Salvador.
7. Minds and hearts
But most importantly, they’re a bunch of unique individuals.
They engage with their minds, and with their hearts. So join them, on Thursday nights, because they just love the footy.*
The Rushed Behind airs every Thursday from 6:30pm (AEDT) on Channel 31.
*Apologies to Brett Kirk.
