Tributes for ‘Mad Dog’
Radio star remembered after sudden passing
RADIO stalwart Don ‘ Mad Dog’ Dwyer is being remembered as “informative, interesting and bright” following his passing on Sunday night.
The revered broadcaster passed away after suffering a stroke at home late last week, his former long-time employer BayFM confirmed yesterday.
Born in 1946, the on-air personality worked for many years at 3GL, later K-rock, in a radio career that started in the 1960s, and included stints at Albury’s 2AY and Melbourne’s 3DB.
“We were his family away from family, and we shall treasure those moments we had,” K-rock and Bay 93.9 general manager Andy Mathers said yesterday. “I had the pleasure of working with Donny and calling him a mate for many years across a number of different roles.”
Dwyer ran a ‘ Double D’ radio school in the 1980s to help develop the next generation of presenters.
Industry figures mourning his passing have spoken of a man who “left an indelible mark” on broadcasting and was an “amazing mentor” and “a gentleman”.
Former Geelong Football Club president Frank Costa said: “(From the 3GL days) I remember him as being in- formative, interesting and bright”.
Dwyer retired from an onair role in the 80s but remained a revered figure in broadcasting circles.
He was well-known for his role as ground announcer at Geelong home matches in the 1990s.
His voiceovers — complete with his unique sound, signature style and the weekly reminder for fans to “please remain off the oval until after the second siren” — were a regular part of the Kardinia Park footy experience.
Cats fans remember Dwyer for his moment of clarity in 1995 when Gary Ablett Sr’s setshot for his 100th goal of the season missed, but still sparked a crowd run on.
Amid the pandemonium of stampeding Cats fans, shown in a YouTube video from the day, Dwyer can be heard desperately trying to restore a bit of order.
“It wasn’t a goal,” you can hear Dwyer yelling over the crowd noise and commentary. “Please get off the ground”.
Dwyer’s place in history lives on every time the vision is replayed, and was again a talking point yesterday as news spread of his sudden death.