He’s the best in the business but Bruce McAvaney is now looking over his shoulder. The veteran broadcaster’s time as the face of Channel 7’s football coverage is running out with Jerry Ng launching a takeover bid.
The nine-year-old knows more footy stats than most die-hard supporters and wants McAvaney’s job.
After hearing Ng name every Brownlow Medal winner since 1998 on live television during Channel 7’s Sunrise program, McAvaney was suitably impressed and very worried.
“Mate, you just nailed it,” McAvaney told the young North Melbourne supporter.
“Jerry, I was dreaming of being a commentator at your age, I got very lucky and I’ve got a great job…maintain the dream, work hard and work hard at your studies as well but right now, I think you’re on track. I wouldn’t change too much, keep going as you’re going.”
PRESS PLAY above to watch Ng's appearance on Sunrise | YouTube
Jerry has shot to stardom after featuring in the AFL’s Multicultural Round campaign but those who know him well at Arden Street, always knew he had something McAvaney would call ‘special’.
“I’m thinking of playing for an AFL club maybe in the future and then retiring and being a statistician,” Jerry told NMFC.com.au.
Jerry first visited the Kangaroos with his grade three Debney Meadows class and attended a Huddle class called ‘what’s special to me’ in 2013.
Jerry had with him, handwritten scores and statistics from every AFL game that season.
“It was the end of 2012, I thought of this plan of doing the stats so I went to Highpoint and got a book and started doing the stats from 2013 to present,” Jerry recalled.
While Jerry finds the stats side of the game fun, nothing compares to playing it.
On Friday night, things will go up a level when Jerry steps out onto Etihad Stadium to play. He’s also been invited to join McAvaney in the commentary box.
“I like the North Melbourne AusKick, when you get to do the fun drills and play the AFL games and also being a half-time participant.”
After the match, he’ll visit the North change rooms to meet his favourite player Drew Petrie and a few others.
“I also like Andrew Swallow, Brent Harvey, Daniel Wells, Lindsay Thomas.”
Bruce McAvaney under threat
He’s the best in the business, but Bruce McAvaney is now looking over his shoulder.