SC Show panelist Calleja
Paul Calleja is an Australian comedian and writer who loves his footy. He is best known for his work on Before the Game and lately, on the first series of the SuperCoach Show.
First of all Paul - which AFL club do you follow?
I’m a long suffering Saints fan who has had his heart ripped out in recent Grand Finals but as always, I’ll be fronting up for another year.
1. How long have you been playing SuperCoach for?
I’ve been playing supercoach since its inception, with limited success mind you, mainly due to over thinking things and making moves out of pure panic.
2. How did you respond when asked to be involved in the first ever SuperCoach show?
I was pretty excited to be honest. A brand new concept with a lot of potential. To be working with the likes of Shura, Jay, Sam and Greenie is a bonus.
3. Is Sam Edmund really good at SC? Or is he all talk?
I really rate Sam. He doesn’t mince his words and is very clinical when it comes to supercoach, which makes it easy to follow his advice. Not sure he rates me as a supercoach, probably due to the fact that I pulled the trigger a little early on Izzy Folau.
4. After labelling Brian Lake a 'dud', did you take his threats seriously?
It was great for Brian to play along and have a bit of fun. Well, at least I think he was. I was more worried when I named Dustin Martin. Although, there’ll be plenty of AFL guns on the DUD board before the year’s out, so they’ll be in good company.
5. What made you want to get into comedy?
I always wanted to try it so I started doing stand-up on the Melbourne circuit and then got a chance to do it on TV on shows like Rove. I picked up some writing gigs as well and between writing and performing managed to somehow make a living. So, it’s like a job. A weird job but a job.
6. I believe you know Bryan Strauchan quite well, tell us about him.
As one of the writers on Before the Game, I was lucky enough to work very closely with Bryan Strauchan. At first I was put off by his arrogance but over time was swayed by his ballsy attitude. I soon realized that he was indeed a superstar in his own right. Peter Helliar and myself then co-wrote Bryan’s book ‘Bryan Strauchan My Story’ which did pretty well but Pete and I never saw a cent due to some loophole Bryan had placed in our contract.
7. How are you travelling this year SC wise?
I had a solid start with Pendles pulling big numbers as my captain but I’ve been hit hard with injuries in the last week to Dempsey and Fyfe. I stupidly didn’t have Gary Ablett but have him in my team now. I you haven’t got him, just get him.
8. What's your team name and who are your favourite players?
My team is called ‘Footsteps’ because I would always hear them when I played. I’ve been pretty happy with Nick Riewoldt this year. He is pulling in over 100 points each week and is still under $500,000. Boyd’s been consistent, as has Goddard. Pendles is also a star despite having a shocker round 3. The guy is super skilled and very efficient with his disposals. Every coach needs a project player and mine is Izzy Folau. He will come good at some stage...hopefully before next year.
We thank Paul for his time.
For a hilarious look at the AFL, follow Paul on Twitter @pcalleja1
First of all Paul - which AFL club do you follow?
I’m a long suffering Saints fan who has had his heart ripped out in recent Grand Finals but as always, I’ll be fronting up for another year.
1. How long have you been playing SuperCoach for?
I’ve been playing supercoach since its inception, with limited success mind you, mainly due to over thinking things and making moves out of pure panic.
2. How did you respond when asked to be involved in the first ever SuperCoach show?
I was pretty excited to be honest. A brand new concept with a lot of potential. To be working with the likes of Shura, Jay, Sam and Greenie is a bonus.
3. Is Sam Edmund really good at SC? Or is he all talk?
I really rate Sam. He doesn’t mince his words and is very clinical when it comes to supercoach, which makes it easy to follow his advice. Not sure he rates me as a supercoach, probably due to the fact that I pulled the trigger a little early on Izzy Folau.
4. After labelling Brian Lake a 'dud', did you take his threats seriously?
It was great for Brian to play along and have a bit of fun. Well, at least I think he was. I was more worried when I named Dustin Martin. Although, there’ll be plenty of AFL guns on the DUD board before the year’s out, so they’ll be in good company.
5. What made you want to get into comedy?
I always wanted to try it so I started doing stand-up on the Melbourne circuit and then got a chance to do it on TV on shows like Rove. I picked up some writing gigs as well and between writing and performing managed to somehow make a living. So, it’s like a job. A weird job but a job.
6. I believe you know Bryan Strauchan quite well, tell us about him.
As one of the writers on Before the Game, I was lucky enough to work very closely with Bryan Strauchan. At first I was put off by his arrogance but over time was swayed by his ballsy attitude. I soon realized that he was indeed a superstar in his own right. Peter Helliar and myself then co-wrote Bryan’s book ‘Bryan Strauchan My Story’ which did pretty well but Pete and I never saw a cent due to some loophole Bryan had placed in our contract.
7. How are you travelling this year SC wise?
I had a solid start with Pendles pulling big numbers as my captain but I’ve been hit hard with injuries in the last week to Dempsey and Fyfe. I stupidly didn’t have Gary Ablett but have him in my team now. I you haven’t got him, just get him.
8. What's your team name and who are your favourite players?
My team is called ‘Footsteps’ because I would always hear them when I played. I’ve been pretty happy with Nick Riewoldt this year. He is pulling in over 100 points each week and is still under $500,000. Boyd’s been consistent, as has Goddard. Pendles is also a star despite having a shocker round 3. The guy is super skilled and very efficient with his disposals. Every coach needs a project player and mine is Izzy Folau. He will come good at some stage...hopefully before next year.
We thank Paul for his time.
For a hilarious look at the AFL, follow Paul on Twitter @pcalleja1