Monday Night Football is here to stay

About 15 minutes after the brilliant finish to the Bulldogs/Panthers game earlier this week, I jumped on Twitter and asked ‘what are we going to do next Monday’? I started the year as a Monday Night Football (MNF) hater but as season 2010 wore on it quickly became regular viewing.

Why the hate for MNF

When we returned to regular Monday night fixtures a few years ago, I didn’t care for it. I liked having all games done and a completely updated ladder by 6pm Sunday so we could spend Monday de-briefing and discussing the big issues of the weekend. Then Tuesday would roll around and we’d start it all again.

The fans had other things, better things, to do on a Monday night than watch or attend the football. Many had work or school the next day which removed all social aspects of an NRL match. They might be having dinner, watching other shows and just simply had no room to incorporate a fourth rugby league night (day).

I was very much in this group at the start of the year. I had other things to do Monday nights and I was more likely to throw the game on the radio or take sporadic score updates online. However as this season moved on, I would start doing these other things while tuning in to watch MNF. More often than not, MNF would take precedence as the game progressed.

New found love

Fox Sports deserve enormous credit for what they have done with MNF this year. They have made every game – whether it be top of the table, bottom of the table, first against last or Origin generated sub-teams – Fox has made each Monday night an event.

For those without pay television, Fox gave MNF the absolute full treatment. They had a one hour, panel discussion preview show, a range of pre and post-match interviews, press conferences, expert tips and analysis plus a full three man plus sideline broadcast team.

Triple M is the official radio broadcasters for MNF and also does a wonderful job. They are a bit unconventional in their style but that’s what makes it entertaining. Football is just a game and Triple M doesn’t mind having fun across their two hour show. They still present the facts and call the action as it is seen but they do it with a smile and this really comes across through the radio.

Throw in a social media aspect, Twitter, and there’s fun to be had. Because Monday night is not a good social evening, more people are at home following the football. The best and easiest way for social interaction during the game is Twitter. People take to it and have some fun.

This fun aspect across three mediums has, in my opinion, helped carve MNF a special place in the NRL landscape.

The Future

I have to acknowledge two serious shortcomings Monday Night Football does face. Firstly, I don’t think the players like it. Having to sit through the entire weekend before finally playing is not an easy thing to do. Many guys have been quoted saying it can mess with their routine and can be challenging to get their heads around.

Also, the home fans don’t seem to like it that much either as shown in crowd figures. I would severely doubt any club’s highest crowd of the year came on a Monday night – actually I reckon the MNF crowds would probably rank near the bottom at all clubs.

As a Broncos season member I really enjoyed our lone MNF home game against the Roosters about six weeks ago. It was new, different and a good night out. However I am also exceptionally glad we only had to do it once.

Despite that, Monday Night Football is here to stay beyond the next TV deal. I believe Fox get good ratings for it making the weekly broadcast a winner. Fans might complain about the influence Fox and Channel Nine have over match allocation, but in this case I’m happy for Fox to maintain their Monday night timeslot.

We tend to forget sometimes just what Fox Sports does for our game. A heck of a lot of revenue comes from these guys, they broadcast every game live (when possible), they have implemented things like Viewers Choice, mid-week replays and classic matches. They do a wonderful job broadcasting our game and if they want MNF, I’m happy for them to have it.

And I’m more than happy to watch it.

But, the big question – what the heck are we all going to do next Monday?!?

TIPPING

Tips – Titans, Broncos, Eels, Panthers, Roosters, Storm, Manly, Dragons
Last Week – 4/8
Total – 102/184 (55%)

That’s all for this week and don’t forget to email (andrew.keyte@gmail.com), Twitter (@keyto316) or comment below.

Good luck to your team this week,
Keyto