Giant of Australian Rules media, Harry Beitzel, dies
Image: The Age
Former AFL broadcaster and media personality Harry Beitzel has died.
Beitzel covered football for 3AW, 3AK and the ABC radio stations, as well as writing for the Herald Sun, The Truth, The Sunday Telegraph and The Australian.
Beitzel was 90 when he passed away in Gosford yesterday afternoon, family have told 3AW.
Harry Beitzel was the chief football caller on 3AW for 16 years.
Bobby Skilton now remembering Harry for pioneering International Rules in 1967.
“He brought together people like Jesaulenko + Barassi.” https://t.co/uDq59Wta2p
— 3AW Breakfast (@RossAndJohn) August 13, 2017
His daughter, Kerry Beitzel, told Ross and John she and Harry had recently spent time relieving the glory days.
Click PLAY to listen
Rex Hunt remembered a former colleague and the inspiration behind his own career.
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Triple Brownlow medalist Bobby Skilton credited Beitzel for pioneering International Rules forays overseas, when he took the famous ‘Galahs’ to Ireland in 1967.
“He brought together people like (Alex) Jesaulenko and (Ron) Barassi and (Bob) Davies,” he said.
Click PLAY to hear from Bobby
Beitzel is a member of both the MCG’s and AFL’s media halls of fame.
He was also an umpire of note, officiating 182 VFL games including the 1955 Grand Final, and John Coleman’s first VFL game.
Vale Harry Beitzel.
A gentleman who was always generous with his time and advice.
And a fantastic @AFL commentator.— Stephen Quartermain (@Quartermain10) August 13, 2017