Yahoo SportIconic football commentator Michael Williamson dies aged 90
Michael Williamson, the football commentator behind the iconic line 'Jesaulenko, you beauty', has died aged 90.
Williamson turned to broadcasting in the 1950s, moving from radio to television with Channel 7.
His crowning moment arrived in the 1970 VFL grand final when Carlton star Alex Jesaulenko took the mark of the century over Collingwood's Graeme Jenkin.
The great Michael Williamson has just left us, as he ventured into his 90’s. If you don’t know of him, look him up and you’ll see he was one of Australia’s giant media talents. All the best to Michelle and family. (With Allen Aylett) pic.twitter.com/Fjji5b40bO
— Sam Newman (@Origsmartassam) May 2, 2019
McKay to the wing position on the Members stand side, oh Jesaulenko you beauty!
Vale Mike Williamson pic.twitter.com/qD0NTFKHzd— Damian Tardio (@damiantardio) May 2, 2019
Vale Mike Williamson.
A true legend of @AFL commentary.
Jesaulenko you beauty! pic.twitter.com/5ZuCjI4aFR— Stephen Quartermain (@Quartermain10) May 2, 2019
Williamson and Jesaulenko maintained a friendship in their later years, with the broadcaster becoming the godfather to the footballer's daughter.
The pair reunited on Williamson's 90th birthday last year.
Other high-profile moments Williamson called in his career included multiple grand finals, such as St Kilda's sole premiership in 1966.
Vale, Mike Williamson.
Relive some of the legendary commentator's finest calls, including the immortal “Jesaulenko, you beauty!” pic.twitter.com/VXvoF9ZMcM— AFL (@AFL) May 2, 2019
Among a number of grand finals, he also called the very first colour broadcast in 1974.
Williamson was at the microphone for Malcolm Blight’s match-winning torpedo against Carlton in 1976.
He also turned his hand to tennis, calling John Newcombe's historic win over Jimmy Connors in the 1975 Australian Open final.