Brian Taylor must expect strong reactions again AFL Fans after a commentary error in which he said Carlton had dropped out of the top eight with Sunday’s defeat. Blues lost to St. Kilda 76:74with Jack Higgins scoring an exceptional last-minute goal to take the Saints home.

Channel 7 showed the crazy scenes in the commentary box as former Carlton player Dale Thomas couldn’t believe his eyes as Higgins’ goal threatened to end the Blues’ season. Thankfully for Carlton fans, Fremantle lost to Port Adelaide later on Sunday night and the Blues retained eighth place, securing their place in the finals.

But Taylor made a bizarre blunder in his commentary when he claimed the loss had dropped the Blues from eighth place in the “live rankings”. In fact, the Blues have always been in eighth place and only a Dockers victory over the Power could have seen them fall out of the game.

Fans were very critical of Taylor’s mistakes and took to social media to vent their frustration with the experienced commentator. The 62-year-old, who played for Richmond and Collingwood before embarking on a successful career in the media, has has always been a polarizing figure in the commentary box.

However, in 2024 the situation has worsened and earlier this year there were suggestions that he could be part of a restructuring of Channel 7. Herald Sun reported in June that support for Taylor at Channel 7 could wane after the broadcaster’s head of sport, Lewis Martin, left the company – leaving BT with a close ally.

The Herald Sun quoted an unnamed Seven source as saying: “Lewis has been BT’s biggest supporter so far, he’s been BT’s man. The most nervous guy in the whole place will be BT.”

But the veteran caller later revealed on his podcast that he is staying. “I’m happy to say I’ve signed for five years with the Seven Network,” he revealed last month. “So, to anyone wondering whether they like me or not, tough luck, you got me.”

Taylor said the network’s new head of sports, Chris Jones, had been a breath of fresh air. “You can be sure of that (good changes). They’re fantastic,” he said.

“Lewis Martin and his departure, he was glad at the end that he left. He feels like a huge weight has been lifted off his shoulders and he’s at an age now where he could potentially make the decision to retire if he wanted to. So he’s done a great job. You know what he’s done? He’s built an incredible team over a long period of time.

“And I’m happy that the people on the team seem to be very grateful and it looks like they’re going to continue with the same team. There might be one or two small changes in the next few years, but other than that it’s absolutely fantastic.”

The petition called for Channel 7 to turn away from Brian Taylor

A Petition went viral at the beginning of this season calls on Channel 7 to cut ties with Taylor. Football fan Kent Hodder writes: “My love of watching football has always been linked to the thrill of a good game and insightful commentary. Unfortunately, the latter has been continually marred by the presence of Brian Taylor.”

“His biased views, lack of understanding of the rules and general incompetence have spoiled the enjoyment of countless games. His inability to fully understand and explain the rules leads to confusion and casts doubt on his credibility. The role of a commentator is vital to provide accurate, unbiased and insightful views that enhance the experience of watching the games and unfortunately Brian Taylor falls far short of that expectation.

“It’s important to remember that a commentator not only tells the story, but also shapes and informs the viewer’s perspective on the game. Inappropriate commentators like Brian can negatively impact the viewer’s experience and potentially diminish the popularity of the sport itself.”

AFL Week 1 Finals Schedule:

• Second Qualifying Final: Port Adelaide v Geelong – Thursday 5 September, Adelaide Oval, 7.40pm

• Second Elimination Final: Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn – Friday 6 September, MCG, 7.40pm

• First Qualifying Final: Sydney vs GWS – Saturday 7 September, SCG, 15:20

• First Elimination Final: Brisbane Lions vs Carlton – Saturday, 7 September, Gabba, 19:30