990AM Information Radio is celebrating 10 years of broadcasting WAFL football in season 2012.
The station’s association with the WAFL started in 2003 when the first game was called by Russell Dower, who has kept the coverage going ever since.
“It initially came about when there was a niche in the market with little WAFL coverage on radio,” he explained.
“I approached 990AM station manager Peter Luckett and our discussion eventually came to bear fruit, and our first season calling was in 2003.”
The station, which received acclaim last season with a WA Football Media Guild Award for the best WAFL Radio Coverage, will broadcast its 313th live game this weekend.
Long-serving Claremont Tigers CEO Todd Shimmon has been a keen observer of 990AM’s coverage during the last decade.
“I congratulate the station on 10 years of WAFL coverage. Russell Dower and his team should be very proud of their coverage of a competition that has lasted the test of time,” he said.
“WAFL attendances have grown over the last 10 years and that also can be attributed to 990AM coverage and exposure of the WAFL competition over that time. Claremont is always happy to get a 990AM broadcast game,” Mr Shimmon said.
T
he station’s WAFL coverage has also included numerous country games and broadcasting the prestigious Sandover Medal night, with exclusive live radio coverage since 2003.
“This is a massive part of our coverage. It was always religiously telecast on the ABC, and when that ceased we picked it up on radio,” Dower said.
Another unique element of the coverage has been around-the-grounds, with live and detailed updates given from all WAFL matches throughout the call.
Being a community station, numerous sponsors have also been critical to 990AM’s ability to broadcast WAFL.
“Our core sponsors have been an integral part of the journey with their never-ending support throughout the 10 years,” Dower said.
990AM’s esteemed list of expert commentators has included Todd Bremen, who has been with the station since the inception, Wayne Blackwell, Warren Ralph, Neil Lester-Smith, Gavin Rose, Jon Kerr and more recently, Jaxon Crabb.
Like many WAFL observers, Dower describes the 2010 grand final as a highlight, but also mentions a Sunday game where Andrew Browne goaled after the siren for a Claremont win as another of the many memorable on-air moments during the last decade.
Dower said it had been an enjoyable journey.
“From the inception to now, the package we have offered has been integral to the media coverage of WAFL,” he said.
“We’re a portable vehicle, whether you’re driving, gardening or at a match, you can always tune in to 990AM as a staple diet.
This weekend sees 990AM with another massive promotion. Over $3000 worth of prizes including a mountain bike, bar fridge and HSV remote control ute will be given away at the station’s broadcast match between Perth and East Perth at Brownes Stadium.
