01-07-2025
Footy world mourns Hall of Famer who became a Channel Seven star in retirement: 'Pioneer of the broadcast team'
The footy world is mourning the loss of Ian Day after his death aged 90.
In his playing days, the talented rover was a Hall of Famer after starring for South Adelaide on their SANFL premiership run in 1964 before turning his attention to broadcasting with Channel Seven.
Day was a pioneer of league football television coverage with Blair Schwartz and Bob Jervis, before defecting to Channel Nine after the free-to-air network secured the broadcast rights.
He quickly earned an envied reputation for his professionalism when calling games.
After Day was inducted into the SA Football Hall of Fame in 2007, the same honour followed at the Adelaide Oval Media Hall of Fame a decade later.
'I wasn't the greatest,' a humble Day said when reflecting on his 29-season media career.
'I was just this bloke who loved my sport... and lasted 30 years. To be in the Hall of Fame, when I never thought I did anything special, stunned me.'
'Saddened to hear of the passing of South Adelaide legend Ian Day aged 90,' Channel 7's John Casey posted on X on Tuesday.
'Daisy' was a pioneer of the Ch7 broadcast team starting a 30-year commentary run in 1965 and setting the standard for all of us who followed.
'Condolences to Ian's family and many friends.'
AFL identity Patrick Keane labelled Day a 'legend' when it came to SANFL broadcasts.
'His voice is a central part of memories for so many in the time he called games,' Keane posted on X.
'Also a fine rover with West Adelaide and South Adelaide and a key member of the Panthers' last flag side in 1964 which famously went bottom to top.'
According to Adelaide Now, away from footy Day was a state junior golf champion who boasted a handicap of one when a teenager.
His son Tim played baseball for Australia, while grandson Sam is on the books of the Brisbane Lions.
