NINE LAUNCHES NEW SHOW TAC Cup Future Stars: 1-2pm from Sunday, May 10

Channel Nine is set to launch a groundbreaking new live TV show focusing on the TAC Cup, ’s premier under-age football competition.

TAC Cup Future Stars – a one-hour program starting Sunday, May 10 at 1.00pm on Nine – will give footy fans their first chance to see the potential AFL draft talent pool.

The TAC has joined up as the program’s major sponsor to promote safe driving messages to the key under-18 market.

The program will be hosted by Craig Hutchison , and panellists will include former Hawthorn forward Ben Dixon and the AFL’s “youth guru”, Kevin Sheehan . Well known sports broadcaster Angela Pippos will report from the field.

Hutchison’s company Crocmedia will produce the program.

“Hutchy” said he was delighted that Nine was strengthening its already significant commitment to football, which includes The Footy Show, and The Sunday Footy Show.

”The TAC Cup has been creating champions on the field and safer drivers on the road for the last 18 years. This show will be a great addition to Channel Nine’s footy lineup. This is also a great opportunity to showcase tomorrow’s stars while promoting safe driving messages for young drivers,” Hutchison said.

The program will be a mix of game highlights, interviews and analysis of the top prospects coming through the AFL system.

Hawthorn premiership captain Sam Mitchell , who was drafted from the Eastern Ranges, and new Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna , will be guests on the first edition.

CEO of AFL , Peter Schwab , has welcomed the initiative, which will give insight into the players coming through the ranks and the draft process.

“This gives an opportunity for all football followers to gain an in-depth look at how the talent system in Victoria operates and to discover the next crop of AFL players. On average, 50 per cent of the players drafted into the AFL come from the TAC Cup,” Mr Schwab said.

For more information contact: Rosanne Michie Channel Nine Publicity, 03 9420 3458 Friday, May 1, 2009