World of Sport (Australian TV series)

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World of Sport was an Australian sports program that was broadcast live by HSV Channel 7 in Melbourne from 1959 to 1987 on Sundays between 11am and 2pm. By the end of its run, the show was claimed as the world's longest running sports program. A unique combination of talk, banter, invented and real sports, the program held a unique place in the sports-obsessed culture of Melbourne and made stars out of a number of ex-sportsman, particularly Australian rules footballers.

The show premiered on Saturday 16 May 1959, less than three years after the debut of television in Australia. Sponsored by Westinghouse (a white goods manufacturer) it ran for two hours and was hosted by radio commentator Ron Casey. The sponsor turned down an opportunity to renew after a thirteen week run, but Casey saw the opportunity inherent in the concept and enlisted the help of another well known radio presenter, Doug Elliott. The duo bought the concept, purchased air time on a Sunday and enlisted a new sponsor, Vealls, for 1960.

It screened on Sunday mornings at 11am, and was one of the best sports shows of its era, featuring the witty banter of Australian rules football legends Jack Dyer and Lou Richards, who exchanged barbs, but were the best of mates off-set^{[citation needed]}. Also appearing on the show were Ron Casey, Mike Williamson, Doug Elliott, Bob Davis, Bob Skilton, Gus Mercurio and Peter Landy.

Dyer in particular was known for some of his legendary one-liners, or "Dyerisms", such as:

"He's tuckled strongly by Tack." (referring to Michael Tuck)
"He sets himself for a high mark - actually, that was a low high mark"
"Bamblett made a great debut last week, and an even better one today."

The show was also famous for having champion VFL footballers of the day appearing on the show to contest the Handball Competition, and receive prizes such as meat pies and hairdriers. This tradition is carried on in the Sunday Footy Show, which Lou Richards still appears on with his Handball Competition and prize giveaways.