Cummins&Partners strategist Tony Armstrong is set to make history this weekend when he becomes the first aboriginal person to call football on commercial radio.
He debuts as a play-by-play commentator for Triple M Footy in the Round 22 match between Richmond and the West Coast Eagles at the MCG this Sunday, August 18.
A former AFL footballer who represented the Adelaide Crows, Sydney Swans and Collingwood, Armstrong has spent the past two years applying his craft as a play-by-play commentator with the National Indigenous Radio Service (NIRS) where he was a member of the AFL’s first all-Indigenous commentary team in the 2018 Toyota AFL Grand Final.
“To be the first Aboriginal caller on commercial radio is something I’m really proud of. I’m a big believer in seeing and hearing more black voices across mainstream media, at the moment there just aren’t enough," Armstrong says.
“Being able to do something I'm so passionate about while representing my people and breaking a glass ceiling is an honour and not something I take for granted.
The 29-year-old has spent the 2019 AFL season performing special comments for Triple M Footy and from this Sunday will step into the play-by-play commentating role.
Triple M AFL Content Director, Ewan Giles says Armstrong’s rise to the central commentary position had been a sharp one and he was excited to see him realise his potential with Triple M Footy.
“Tony has impressed with his dedication and commitment to improving his craft. While he has been play-by-play calling with NIRS over the past 12 months, he has been working with us to fine-tune his skills and is now ready to make his mark as a caller on Triple M Footy," Giles says.
I would like to personally thank Andrew Underwood and the team at NIRS for giving Tony his start in AFL commentary.”
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