Mike Williamson, legendary commentator, dies aged 90

Tom Naghten

Mike Williamson, legendary commentator, dies aged 90 image

Legendary football broadcaster Mike Williamson has passed away, aged 90.

The man behind the microphone for Alex Jesaulenko's iconic mark in Carlton's 1970 grand final win died on Thursday, leaving behind a legacy as one of football's great media talents.

Upon his 90th birthday last June, the AFL compiled this list of five of Williamson's most iconic calls, including Jesaulenko's mark and Malcolm Blight's famous after-the-siren torpedo in 1976.


Williamson started working at Channel Seven in the 1950s and remained a mainstay of their sports coverage for decades.

His failing health, including a stroke, kept him largely out of the spotlight in recent years, though his impact was felt across the football community.

Tributes flowed on Thursday following the news of his passing.

Former Geelong legend and Footy Show panelist Sam Newman spoke about Williamson on 3AW.

"He was a fantastic man, he was very courteous and polite to all those that he came in contact with in his role in a myriad of television and radio shows," Newman said.

"He is a genuine giant in the Australian media landscape."

Tom Naghten

Tom Naghten Photo

Tom Naghten is a senior editor at The Sporting News Australia where he's been part of the team since 2017. He predominantly covers boxing and MMA. In his spare time, he likes to watch Robbie Ahmat's goal against the Kangaroos at the SCG in 2000.