But there is always room for a lighter touch to our great game, as this charming audio of Radio 6PR Breakfast host and Channel Seven commentator Basil Zempilas and his daughter Ava proves.

As he explains in the clip, Basil likes to practice saying player names in the lead-up to a big game. And prior to Thursday night's clash between Fremantle and Collingwood, he was joined in his task by four-year-old Ava.

The results were priceless. From wondering if "Nic Naitanui" played for the Pies, to trying to perfect her "Scott Pendlebury", to getting her head around "Marley Williams" and being amused by (Steele) "Sidebottom".

Have a listen to the audio here.