Listening today and I agree it’s probably Mat Thompson. His voice is a little bit less gravelly (for lack of a better word) than Peter Psaltis. I think he and Warren Smith are doing a fine job sharing play-by-play duties.
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Though I doubt it, I think Thompson could become part of Nine’s commentary team for their summer of tennis next year, which would mean all three of the network’s league callers would be involved in the tennis.
Similar to how McAvaney, McLachlan and Zempilas were involved in Seven’s tennis coverage in the 2000s-2018.
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End of an era now with Rabs, Fatty & Sterlo all retired. Sad.
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NINE SETS SAIL FOR THE SYDNEY HOBART YACHT RACE 2024
LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9 FROM DECEMBER 26
STREAM FREE ON 9NOW
Nine’s Wide World of Sports is the new home for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, as Australia’s toughest and most prestigious ocean race is live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now, from 12.30pm AEDT on December 26.
The spectacle of the 79th edition of the race will be covered with a pre-show build up at North Head, before the starting cannon fires at 1.00pm for the gruelling 600 nautical mile journey south to Hobart.
Today Show will kickstart Boxing Day live from Rushcutters Bay to capture the build up as thousands of people line Sydney Harbour, with regular crosses throughout the morning during sport, weather and entertainment segments. Then, as the winning boat arrives, Today will be live from Hobart to kickstart the celebrations.
A fleet of 108 yachts will take to the water as defending champion Law Connect faces stiff opposition for victory from Master Lock Comanche, who was pipped at the post in 2023, and Wild Thing 100.
The talented team bringing the race action to screens includes host Gordon Bray, who is joined for expert comments by ex-Olympian and seasoned sailor Lisa Darmanin, and 31-race Sydney Hobart veteran Peter Shipway.
ROLEX SYDNEY HOBART YACHT RACE 2024
LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW
DECEMBER 26, 12.30PM AEDT
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Interesting they’re using Bray rather than a usual network personality.
Why? Bray has previously reported and commentated on the yacht race for both ABC and Seven and has even served as a crew member aboard the Radio Relay Vessel.
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Speaking of which, the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race website has an article on the commentary duo of Gordon Bray and Peter Shipway (who are also longtime friends), including an image of Bray on the cover of ABC Radio Guide.
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Didn’t know that, there you go. You’d expect a network host though.
From Cruising Yacht Club of Australia website
How to follow the Rolex Sydney Hobart yacht race
9Now will host a rich archive of race content, including pre-race interviews, live updates, in-race highlights, and post-race analysis.
There will also be live shows at 10am and 4pm AEDT on CYCATV via YouTube.
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He did the Olympics on 9 radio
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Lots of quick adverts for Nine’s first Sydney to Hobart coverage, undoubtedly a lot of viewers won’t realise the coverage is on Nine (rather than 7Mate). Surprised Seven isn’t covering a alternative yacht race at the same time 
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Nine has retained the rolling graphics of all the entrants from Seven’s coverage last year.
There is also live streaming on the yacht race’s website. Gordon Bray and Peter Shipway keep chatting during the ad breaks on Nine.
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“Girl sailors” ffs 
This would probably be the first time Gordon has worked for nine. He has now worked for all commercial free to air networks as well as the ABC.
Nine have found it to get him hosting and calling this event but haven’t had him involved in their rugby coverage.
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