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Sammy J has quizzed award-winning journalist Sharnelle Vella and the ex-AFL star Bob Murphy on their Melbourne credentials.
The pair will be picking up the microphones on ABC Radio Melbourne’s Breakfast program in January after Sammy announced he was leaving the station.
Vella and Murphy, the Western Bulldogs’ favourite son, promise to serve up a Breakfast packed full of all the big Melbourne stories from politics to sport — as well as a big side helping of fun.
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“I’m the first to say that when it comes to radio my deficiencies include journalism and sporting knowledge,” Sammy told listeners.
“In what can only be described as the biggest over-correction in the history of radio, it is my absolute thrill and pleasure to introduce your breakfast presenters.”
Both have appeared individually on ABC Radio Melbourne and acting manager Shelley Hadfield said the audience had already shown it loves hearing them.
“Sharnelle and Bob are down-to-earth, relatable, and playful,” Shelley said.
“Sharnelle is a news junkie and she understands what makes this city tick [while] Bob has long been regarded as the thinking man’s footballer.”
‘The Melbourne credentials’
In case there were any concerns Sammy quizzed the pair on their relationship with Melbourne.
Bob, who played 312 games for the Western Bulldogs in the AFL before moving into broadcasting hails from Gippsland, loves Melbourne winters, and when asked whether he would rather visit Bellarine or Mornington Peninsula he voted Bass Shire.
Sharnelle, who grew up in south-east Melbourne, has covered major events both in Australia and overseas for 7News including the Tokyo Olympics and high-profile court cases.
She never wears colour and picked Mornington Peninsula.
Their coffee orders are a strong flat white and a straight latte with no sugar but full fat milk respectively.
A community of listeners
“It is a community of listeners that listen every single day and I just want you to know we’re going to take care of them,” Sharnelle told Sammy.
“It’s a privilege to join the ABC and to be able to have a conversation with the city that’s been my home my entire life.”
Bob referred to the role as that of “custodians”, adding their “patch to the great quilt of Brekky on ABC”.
“When I’m in the building, when I hear the ABC jingle, I can smell the burnt toast and marmalade of growing up in our family kitchen,” he said.
Sammy J announced yesterday that he is stepping away from Breakfast next month after five years in the chair.
As the pair and Sammy wrapped the first of what will be many interviews leading up to the handover, Sharnelle and Bob gave their parting words.
“Thank you for quitting.”
Sammy responded “you’re welcome”.