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Brian Taylor furore takes new twist as AFL journo clash comes to light

The Channel 7 commentator's supposed 'bias' has reportedly sparked an ugly war of words between two journalists.

sam goodwin
Sports Editor
·3-min read
Brian Taylor, pictured here commentating for Channel 7 in the AFL.
Brian Taylor's commentary for Channel 7 has come under fire. Image: Getty

The furore surrounding Brian Taylor's supposed 'biased' commentary has taken a new twist, with details emerging about a clash between two AFL journalists over the situation. Marc McGowan of The Age kicked off the controversy last Thursday night when he took aim at Taylor's commentary during Brisbane's thrashing of Collingwood.

According to McGowan, former Collingwood player Taylor was far too biased in regards to the Pies' performance. The commentator appeared to believe the Magpies were right in the game despite trailing by 38 points at one stage.

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“That (Cameron) Rayner goal certainly puts a dampener on the commentary team’s attempts to convince us the Magpies are still a chance tonight," McGowan tweeted. “Can’t we just watch the game without BT (Taylor) telling us every second minute how close Collingwood is to getting back into this. Now they’re doing a survey among them all to decide whether Collingwood believes they can still win.”

Melbourne Demons great Brad Green also shared his frustrations, tweeting: “Brisbane have played well tonight, not that you would’ve heard from CH 7 commentary. All they talk about is Collingwood. Understand they are a big club, but two sides are playing."

The situation then descended further when McGowan was reportedly bailed up by Taylor's Channel 7 colleague Tom Browne in the change-rooms after Carlton's clash with North Melbourne on Friday. According to the Herald Sun, Browne called McGowan a “bogan” and “idiot” and asked him “who are you?”. McGowan reportedly called Browne, whose father Jeff is the president at Collingwood, a "fool'.

Brian Taylor, pictured here in commentary for Channel 7.
Brian Taylor in commentary for Channel 7. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Taylor has been accused of bias towards Collingwood a number of times. On Thursday night he said: “It’s a 38-point margin now, but kick the next two before three quarter time, Collingwood, that’s all they have to do. It’s not a big target to be back in the game.”

After a Collingwood goal, Taylor said: “A good result for Collingwood. An excellent result would be two more. If they got one it is enough to get into the 20s and send a bit of a shiver up the spine of the Lions.”

Brisbane bounce back with big win over Collingwood

Many have tipped the Magpies for big things in 2023, but Brisbane flipped the script with an impressive 18.8 (116) to 11.17 (83) victory. Collingwood were sharp in the early stages and had chances to establish a decent lead in the second quarter.

But the Lions kicked 10-straight goals in the second half to blow the visitors off the park, ending Collingwood's unbeaten start to the season. Rayner was immense for the home side, blasting the Lions clear with four goals and 10 score involvements after being shifted from defence into his customary role up front.

The win for the Lions moved them to 2-2 and eased the immense pressure on the Queensland club. Brisbane champion Jonathan Brown declared last week that the club could not win the premiership with tall forwards Eric Hipwood and Joe Daniher up front.

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