Latest news with #SENBreakfast
7NEWS
5 days ago
- Business
- 7NEWS
Media mogul Craig Hutchison dumps RSN presenters Michael Felgate and Daniel Harford as takeover begins
Media mogul Craig Hutchison is ringing in the changes for his newly acquired asset, RSN, revealing in a live radio slot that the network's long-serving presenters Daniel Harford and Michael Felgate will be dumped. The news was actually announced on Wednesday but Hutchison, the chief executive of SEN, told RSN listeners about the changes on Thursday when he was appearing on Felgate's Racing Pulse show. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Craig Hutchison confirms changes to RSN. 'I've got to start with the elephant in the room,' Felgate said in his interview with Hutchison. 'An announcement yesterday came out that there will be programming changes. Breakfast with Harf and this show Racing Pulse will no longer exist under the new regime. 'Just talk us through, what's the reasoning (behind that)?' Felgate asked. Earlier this month (on July 8), Victoria Racing announced that the Sports Entertainment Network had purchased the Racing & Sport Network (RSN) as part of a 'new strategic partnership'. In the deal worth around $3.25 million, SEN will now become the sole audio broadcaster of racing in Victoria across all three codes (thoroughbred, harness and greyhound). Hutchison said on Thursday that decision to drop former Hawthorn star Daniel Harford and Felgate was 'nothing personal'. 'They're both magnificent shows, so no disrespect at all to the quality of the programming and to the identities involved, you in particular Michael (Felgate) and also Daniel, who have been incredible servants to RSN,' Hutchison told listeners. 'There's nothing personal about (cancelling) either of those programs (Breakfast with Harf or Racing Pulse) … we need to invest, over time, into the racing product, it's a racing station. 'It's a different audience to the one that we have developed over on SEN Track, very different audience, very different experience, they don't really resemble each other after midday. 'I know that won't be everyone's cup of tea on day one. The default position from many will be to have empathy for those programs and I respect that hugely. 'It's not about the quality of the shows. We're going to be investing in racing … we want to invest in content.' Hutchison confirmed that some SEN shows would now simulcast on RSN, including the popular Fireball where AFL experts Kane Cornes and David King thrash out footy's hot topics on a Monday and a Friday. The SEN Breakfast show with Garry Lyon and Tim Watson will also be heard on RSN from Tuesday to Thursday. And Giddy Up host Gareth Hall — who was on RSN — will now be back on those airwaves. Hutchison also said he would 'love' to keep working with Felgate and Harford in some capacity and hinted that Felgate had some 'bigger and broader' opportunities in racing that he was considering. 'This network is 100 years old, it's got an incredible history in Melbourne, it's been a part of the beat of the city for a long time,' Hutchison said. 'It served racing especially well, I think Saturdays are just an unbelievable part of the Melbourne way of life here at RSN. 'There's also a regional network that is tremendous in its distribution, frequencies and signals. Those towns are an opportunity to invest in, to put resources in and to put people in and be a deeper part of country racing in Victoria. 'We intend to invest in those areas and we want to be a regional business as much as a metro business. 'We will do more racing in breakfast and in the mornings. Long term, even earlier presents a lot of opportunity. 'You've got a lot of industry up at 5-5.30 in the morning who are at track work or who are on the road or who are travelling around the state, so edging even earlier into the morning in the state is a long term, and potentially short term, opportunity. 'The legacy of this place is a huge responsibility ongoing, and our job is to preserve it, protect it and enhance it. So we will absolutely be investing in the racing coverage. 'We're going to be in racing long term. My word: we're in racing for the long haul.'
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
NRL coach looks set to 'quit his job' after guiding team to horrible record - and favouritism for the wooden spoon
Des Hasler's time at the Gold Coast Titans appears to be coming to an end, according to reports. The Titans have slumped to rock bottom of the NRL ladder this season, having won only four games and are a firm favourite to claim the wooden spoon. Hasler, who joined the club in 2024, has also now acquired the second-worst winning record of any full-time Gold Coast coach, behind Garth Brennan. But reports from The Courier Mail state that a statement on his future is coming imminently, with the footy boss expected to announce that he will walk away from the club at the end of the season. Michael Carayannis of the Daily Telegraph explained on SEN Breakfast that Hasler was leaving the club after reaching a 'mutual understanding' with the new ownership. The writing appears to have been on the wall for Hasler after it was revealed that his contract at the club could be terminated at the end of the 2025 season. 'It'll be called a retirement but it's a mutual understanding,' Carayannis said. 'The Gold Coast Titans can call it whatever they like but Des won't be the coach next season. It's been an absolute failure.' And due to a contract inserted into his deal with the club, it appears Hasler may have to fight for the final year's pay of his deal. Carayannis revealed that while Hasler initially agreed on a three-year deal to join the club, his contract contains a top-eight clause. 'That is, if they don't make the top eight this year, the Titans are under no obligation to keep him at the club,' he added. 'There's another element to it and that's when they are mathematically no chance of playing finals footy, they can split immediately.' Phil Rothfield, meanwhile, explained on his Off The Record Podcast with Andrew Webster that Hasler will make a statement on his future 'very soon'. 'Des has had particularly bitter exits with Canterbury and Manly,' Rothfield said. 'I have a feeling that after such a disastrous season that he will retire from rugby league. 'He has been a premiership-winning coach. He had a fair roster this year. He is now planning retirement. 'He had a pretty fair roster this year so I'm told he's now planning retirement and he's not going to have a s*** fight to get the last year of his money. He's got plenty Des. 'Look I think it's the right thing, he's been a great coach great character, but look it's been really disappointing and they need a fresh start up there.' Hasler began his coaching journey in 2004, after a decorated playing career, where he won two premierships with Manly in 1987 and 1996. After hanging up his boots, he stepped into coaching and returned to take charge of the Sea Eagles for 206 matches, winning flags in 2008 and 2011 before moving to Canterbury and then back to Manly in 2019. The Titans, meanwhile, have struggled this year to get results, with Hasler's side having lost both of their last two fixtures against the Cowboys and the Eels. Should Hasler opt to retire, the Titans will be able to part company with their coach cleanly and search for a new boss. One coach who has been linked with the job is Kevin Walters, while The Courier Mail adds Josh Hannay, Willie Peters, Matt King and Dean Young are also at the top of the Frizelle family's list. Andrew Webster, meanwhile, also added that big changes could come from the Frizelle family. 'The Frizelles have been looking to get control of the club in its entirety and blow the whole thing up and start again,' Webster said on the Off The Record Podcast. 'I wouldn't be surprised if they changed the jumper and made serious changes across the whole organisation. They will throw the bank at a big-name coach to get them there.'
Sky News AU
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Sky News AU
AFL: Graffiti at Ikon Park sparks outrage as pressure intensifies on Carlton board and coach Michael Voss after 50-point loss
Carlton's tumultuous AFL season has plunged further into chaos after angry supporters defaced the club's headquarters with graffiti demanding sackings in the wake of a heavy defeat. Carlton's 2025 campaign lurched into deeper turmoil on Friday morning, as graffiti appeared across the walls of Ikon Park in the wake of a humiliating 50-point defeat to Port Adelaide the night before. The messages - including 'Sack the Board', 'Sack Austin, Lloyd', 'Keep Voss' and 'TDK yes or no?' - were spray-painted along the outer walls of the Blues' spiritual home at Princes Park. The graffiti was removed within hours, but not before the images circulated online, fuelling further speculation around the fractured state of the club. Club officials have confirmed the vandalism is being investigated by Victoria Police, and the clean-up was quickly undertaken by staff on Friday morning. Despite the graffiti publicly sparing senior coach Michael Voss, suggesting supporters still see value in his leadership, pressure is mounting inside the club - and in the media - about whether he can survive the season. Former Port Adelaide premiership midfielder Kane Cornes issued a stinging rebuke on SEN Breakfast on Friday morning. 'It was a tough watch if you're a Carlton fan, but Port Adelaide can do this to you,' Cornes said. 'Every now and then they can get themselves up for a performance ... and they did that again last night. 'The last thing Carlton needs to do is sack another coach, but the last thing they needed was a performance like that after the week they had - and this may be the straw that breaks the camel's back." However, Cornes didn't ignore the questions mounting around Carlton's direction under Voss. Once known for their relentless pressure and grit, the Blues looked flat and unmotivated - a fact that even their own coach couldn't ignore. 'Even Voss said that they didn't have the effort - and that had been the one saving grace. They didn't look motivated for the fight. They weren't up for the challenge," Cornes said. 'The method has to come down to the coach. The problem for Michael Voss is that he's traditionally had a really strong stoppage team... they've jumped on landmines, they are seriously tough, and their pressure is great - and it's Michael Voss's problem when you lose that. 'I think the situation with Michael Voss now is one they'll assess at the end of the year with core heads, but he looks like a coach in all sorts of trouble.' — Andrew McCormack (@_AMcCormack7) June 26, 2025 Two SEN Breakfast callers took it further, turning their focus directly on Voss. 'Michael Voss needs to put his hand up. You say the list isn't his issue - it is his issue, because they built the list to play his game style,' one caller said. 'A few weeks ago, we beat Geelong, so the list can play great footy. We just need to find a guy to get rid of. Sack every single coach and see who rises because I don't know who the option is,' another added. 'It's that depressing and I think we've all given up on Vossy to be honest. 'I can't see this one (Vossy surviving in the job). He's calm in the press conference, but there just doesn't seem to be any passion.' While Voss retains the public support of senior players such as Nick Haynes, who said, 'we've played some good quarters this year, which shows the system works", there is now an unmistakable split between fans calling for change and those urging stability. Carlton currently sits 11th on the ladder with a 6–9 record - a far cry from the preseason talk of a premiership push. Thursday night's 16.14 (110) to 8.12 (60) capitulation at Adelaide Oval followed a shock 11-point defeat to bottom-placed North Melbourne just five days earlier. Footy boss Brad Lloyd and list manager Nick Austin were singled out by name in the graffiti, with speculation mounting over whether incoming CEO Graham Wright - a noted reformer - will spearhead off-field changes at the season's end. Carlton's senior players have also begun taking public ownership of the club's poor performances, with Haynes issuing a blunt warning to teammates. 'If blokes don't do it, we've got plenty of young guys coming through the twos who will play the system we want,' Haynes said. 'We've played some good quarters this year, which shows the system works, but we haven't been able to play that system for long enough; for four full quarters.' Haynes, who joined Carlton this year after a long stint at GWS, offered full backing of coach Michael Voss - a sentiment echoed by the graffiti, which urged the club to 'Keep Voss' even as frustration boils over. Voss, who remains under contract until the end of 2026, struck a measured tone post-match, calling for unity and accountability from both players and coaches alike. 'It's collective accountability - there's no separate groups here,' Voss said. 'We always look at ourselves (coaches) first, then impart some of the things we need to in front of the players and ask them to play to the standard as well.' 'What you do find out a lot about is your character – your football team, football club, right now and what connection is needed to be able to ensure that we do get that turnaround.'
News.com.au
06-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
AFL great ‘staggered' by league's lacklustre Willie Rioli response
AFL great Tim Watson says he's 'staggered' Willie Rioli escaped any sanction amid a 'lily-livered' league response to the Port Adelaide forward sending a threatening message towards Western Bulldogs defender Bailey Dale. Rioli went unpunished after an AFL investigation in to the private message which was sent to a teammate of Dale, after the pair were involved in a scuffle at Mars Stadium in Ballarat on Saturday, prompting the Bulldogs to act. It's understood Rioli messaged the teammate to say he had friends in Darwin, where the Bulldogs play this week, and that Dale should be careful about leaving the team hotel while in the city. There was no disputing the message was sent, but the league and both clubs deemed an apology from Rioli was sufficient to end the matter. That hasn't gone down well in the AFL world however and Watson said the lack of penalty didn't address the need to police player behaviour standards. 'I'm staggered that the AFL has (not punished Rioli),' Watson said on SEN Breakfast. 'Ok, Willie Rioli reaches out to Bailey Dale and apologises, that's fine. Everybody apologises once they've been caught out, that's just standard behaviour of human beings. 'That doesn't mean to say that it can just be swept under the carpet and there not be any form of penalty or discipline applied by the AFL. 'I am staggered that they have just allowed what they did yesterday to be the course of action that was taken on their behalf. 'If you say the wrong thing out there on the football field and the AFL becomes aware of it or the umpire reports it, or whatever, you are then responsible even in the heat of the moment.' Both clubs issued statements in the wake of the investigation, but the AFL came in for particular scorn with Melbourne great Gary Lyon calling it 'lily-livered'. 'The general public are saying why didn't the AFL extend the lily-livered explanation about reminding both clubs to ensure any communication remain respectful, why hasn't that been applied in the past,' he said. 'Why is this when someone is threatening violence to an opposition player they get a pretty light, soft reminder to ensure communication remains respectful, why hasn't that been afforded to other players in the past?' Both compared the matter to fines being handed out for obscene on-field gestures and were adamant there should have been a penalty. 'There needs to be a lot more explanation around why they arrived at a statement like that and there was no other course of action taken against Willie Rioli,' Watson said. 'If you flip the bird you're getting a fine of $1000 or $1500. There's no penalty that's been applied to Willie Rioli. None. Zero. 'What people want - and it's not too much to ask - is consistency. We just want consistency of messaging from the AFL on all matters.'
Sky News AU
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Sky News AU
AFL slammed for ‘lily-livered' response to Willie Rioli threat
AFL great Tim Watson says he's 'staggered' Willie Rioli escaped any sanction amid a 'lily-livered' league response despite the Port Adelaide forward sending a threatening message towards Western Bulldogs defender Bailey Dale. Rioli went unpunished after an AFL investigation into the private message, which was sent to a teammate of Dale after he and Rioli were involved in a scuffle at Mars Stadium in Ballarat on Saturday, prompting the Bulldogs to act. It's understood Rioli messaged the teammate to say he had friends in Darwin, where the Bulldogs play this week, and Dale should be careful about leaving the team hotel while in the city. There was no disputing the message was sent, but the league and both clubs deemed an apology from Rioli was sufficient to end the matter. That hasn't gone down well in the AFL world, however, and Watson said the lack of penalty didn't address the need to police player behaviour standards. 'I'm staggered that the AFL has (not punished Rioli),' Watson said on SEN Breakfast. 'OK, Willie Rioli reaches out to Bailey Dale and apologises, that's fine. Everybody apologises once they've been caught out, that's just standard behaviour of human beings. 'That doesn't mean to say that it can just be swept under the carpet and there not be any form of penalty or discipline applied by the AFL. 'I am staggered that they have just allowed what they did allow yesterday to be the course of action that was taken on their behalf. 'If you say the wrong thing out there on the football field and the AFL becomes aware of it or the umpire reports it, or whatever, you are then responsible even in the heat of the moment.' Both clubs issues statements in the wake of the investigation, but the AFL's came in for particular scorn, with Melbourne great Gary Lyon calling it 'lily-livered'. 'The general public are saying why didn't the AFL extend the lily-livered explanation about reminding both clubs to ensure any communication remain respectful? Why hasn't that been applied in the past?' he said. 'Why is this when someone is threatening violence to an opposition player they get a pretty light, soft reminder to ensure communication remains respectful? Why hasn't that been afforded to other players in the past?' Both compared the matter to fines being handed out for obscene on-field gestures and were adamant there should have been a penalty. 'There needs to be a lot more explanation around why they arrived at a statement like that and there was no other course of action taken against Willie Rioli,' Watson said. 'If you flip the bird, you're getting a fine of $1000 or $1500. There's no penalty that's been applied to Willie Rioli. None. Zero. 'What people want – and it's not too much to ask – is consistency. We just want consistency of messaging from the AFL on all matters.' Originally published as AFL under fire for failing to penalise Port's Willie Rioli for sending threatening message to opponent
