The best players legendary footy commentator saw live and his favourite star to call
Lachlan Geleit • March 9th, 2025 7:05 pm

Legendary footy commentator Peter Landy has reflected on his brilliant career behind the mic.
The media talent began his work on radio in Warragul and would eventually call footy on Channel Seven where he commentated 1176 footy matches between 1977 to 2001.
Having called so much of V/AFL footy, Landy looked back at the best players he ever got to call live.
Two stand out above the rest for Landy – Leigh Matthews and Gary Ablett Sr.
“I was broadcasting in an era when forwards were the highlight of any round,” Landy told This is Your Journey – thanks to Tobin Brothers.
“You’ve just got to look at some names like Tony Modra, Tony Lockett, Michael Roach, Malcolm Blight, Kelvin Templeton, Darrel Baldock, Royce Hart, Pete McKenna, Wayne Carey, Jason Dunstall, Doug Wade, Peter Hudson, Leigh Matthews and Gary Ablett.
“But out of those, Leigh Matthews and Gary Ablett would be probably my choices equal best players that I've seen.
“They were both fantastic.”
As for the one that wasn’t necessarily the best but a personal favourite, St Kilda cult hero Trevor Barker is one that immediately springs to Landy’s mind.
“Well, I think the guy who used to wear number one for St Kilda would take that cake, Trevor Barker,” Landy said.
“He used to take some absolute hangers, and it was great calling when ‘Barks’ took a couple of good grabs made my day.”
Listen to Landy’s full chat with Sam Edmund below.