As the ‘voice’ of the AFL and the Australian Open, Craig Willis is one of the busiest, and best, MCs and voice over people in the business. With the tennis over for another year and the footy yet to start, it was a rare, quiet time in Craig’s hectic schedule when he caught up with Peter for a coffee.
Peter: How do you take your coffee?
Craig:
White with no sugar. I would have three or four a day but nothing after 2pm. And on occasion a cup of tea – Dilma.
Peter: What is your background?
Craig:
I work for myself primarily as a voice over person and Master of Ceremonies. It’s been like this since I left Channel 7 after working there for 17 years. Before that I worked at 3AW for 9 years, 5 years of which I was the anchor-man for Derryn Hinch. Before that it was 3UZ and 2GB, and 2UW in Sydney where I started as the office boy. There was also another person starting there at the same time – John Laws. So, I’ve spent my entire working life in the media and continue to find it fascinating.
Peter: What are some of your proudest moments/highlights while being ‘the voice’ of sport?
Craig:
I have been privileged to be at a number of major sporting moments where I can say I was proud to be involved. Some of these have included –
- The final lap of honour at the MCG by the late Ted Whitten back in 1995. I don’t think there was a dry eye at the ground.
- The 2010 Grand Final draw between Collingwood and St Kilda. I remember standing there with everyone looking at each other saying “What do we do now?” I will never forget the tension in the air that last five minutes of the game.
- Also, being able to attend and commentate at four Olympic Games was very special. There is nothing like hearing the National Anthem at an Olympic Games.
Peter: Why is Melbourne such a great city to host major sporting events?
Craig:
I believe Melbourne is the greatest event destination of any city in the world. There are lots of reasons but our infrastructure and venues are second to none and all within a stone’s throw of the city. They are also used on a regular basis, unlike sporting venues built in other cities. We also have the ability to organise these major events. This is something we should not take for granted as not every event around the world is run as well as what we are able to do in Melbourne. I think it’s fair to say we will go to anything in Melbourne that is world class. Just look at the recent crowds for the State of Origin and Champion’s League Soccer.
Peter: What is your favourite event to attend in Melbourne?
Craig:
My two favourite events are both ones that I work at – the Australian Open Tennis and the AFL Grand Final. I’m lucky to be able to get to know many of the tennis and AFL players so you have more of a connection with the event. It’s also nice to be able to stand on centre court/in the middle of the G on the big match days. I’m also a horse racing fan and my favourite race days are the Cox Plate and Derby Day. I usually don’t have to work at these which makes it even more enjoyable.
Peter: Who are some of your most admired Melburnians?
Craig:
I’ve always respected people who contribute in their own way to making Melbourne the most livable city now and into the future. People like Jeanne Pratt, Harold Mitchell, Robert Doyle, Janet Whiting and Sir Rod Eddington are a few that come to mind.
Peter: What job would you like to have if you weren’t being the voice of Melbourne?
Craig:
I’ve always wanted to be the captain of an airbus A380.
Peter: Nothing like starting at the top Craig! Can you fly?
Craig:
No, I even think I crash landed in the simulator one day! However, I do think I’d look good in the uniform but I certainly have the voice to go with the captain’s announcement.
Peter: Just as well you‘ve got such a great voice because I sure wouldn’t want to fly with you! It was great to catch up and I look forward to working with you again, on the ground, very soon.
