Sports broadcaster Tony Charlton launches Fox Footy 2012 in this reflective video on AFL broadcasting
Tony Charlton, Channel Seven's first football commentator, has passed away. Picture: Lucy Swinstead. Source: Herald Sun
BROADCASTER Tony Charlton has been remembered as one of the best in the business - a man listened to and loved by thousands, but also someone always ready to lend an ear.
Football legends paid tribute to Charlton, whose voice became synonymous with the game.
He died early yesterday after a battle with bowel cancer. He was 83.
Veteran coach Kevin Sheedy said Charlton, an AFL Hall of Fame inductee, was a fantastic contributor.
"He was a marvellous communicator with all the fans," Sheedy said. "He was a master of the English language in many ways. People loved listening to him."
Fellow broadcaster and Richmond legend Kevin Bartlett said Charlton was one of the most liked men in the business.
"He was a person who always gave advice and tried to help with positive feedback," Bartlett said.
2011 AFL Hall Of Fame inductees James Hird, Mark Ricciuto, Nathan Buckley, Michael Voss and Tony Charlton. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun
"He was a generous performer and that's what made him such a well-liked person. He seemed to be a person who always had an ear, who listened and watched and always gave generously in feedback."
AFL legend Ron Barassi said he and Charlton had shared a mutual respect.
"We are missing a wonderful person today," he said.
"It was not just what he said but it was how he said it, with his distinctive and unusual voice ... not one that grated, but one you wanted to hear."
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said Charlton's contribution on radio and the early years of football on TV had helped build the game's popularity.
"(He) mixed both superb oratory and commentary skills with an ability to break news and tell the stories of our game," Demetriou said.
"Even nearly 50 years after his legendary interview with a just sacked (Melbourne coach) Norm Smith ... it remains compelling viewing."
MCC president Paul Sheahan described Charlton as selfless.
"His concern was always for others," he said.
"MCC members will fondly remember Tony for his class and commanding presence behind the microphone ... as one of the finest function hosts in the country."
Former premier of Victoria Jeff Kennett said Charlton had "a wonderful sense of humour and had a voice that resonated with the community".
Tony Charlton sat down with Mike Sheahan to discuss his life in sport in one of the great Open Mike interviews of 2012. Re-live some of the highlights.
Other highlights from his career include:
* For 30 years, MC in each Capital City of the Caltex Sports Star of the Year series. Many of these occasions were televised.
* 1988-2008 (incl) MC of the Prime Minister's Olympic Dinner.
* Presenter in Melbourne for over 25 years, of the Dawn Service and Anzac Requiem each Anzac Day.
* 7 Network commentator for the VP Day 50th anniversary coverage and presenter at the Shrine of the VE Day 50th anniversary ceremony and the VP Ecumenical Service.
* 2005 – member of the inaugural Government of Victoria Spirit of Anzac Prize tour (the Western Front).
* 2008 – Chairman, Organising Committee of the World Latin American Dancesport Championship.
FoxSports will air Mike Sheahan's Open Mike interview with Tony Charlton from July this year at 9pm AEDT tonight (and 9.30pm AEDT on FoxSports 2).