Grilla: The Voice of the USAFL

Rod "Grilla" Grljusich has pioneered play by play announcing for the United States Australian Football League first bringing his market specific brand commentary to the USAFL Nationals in Kansas City back in 2003 and this year's National in Austin to be his ninth consecutive year behind the MIC.

Grilla’s dynamic and colorful style has influences dating way back to his adolescent years from an infatuation with American sports presentation, ignited through an involvement with baseball as a State player and keen spectator. In 1995, after 12 years as a semi professional football player in the Western Australian Football League (Triple A equivalent), Grljusich evolved on a career as play by play announcer for minor community through to major commercial Radio and TV networks calling and covering Australian Rules.

Grilla's interest with the USAFL goes beyond the commentary box and his duties extend into player and cultural exchange in conjunction with the associated Australian Advisory Board and the USAFL Ambassadors Program.

In 2008 Grilla was also involved with the AFL International Cup in Melbourne on the recommendation of Kevin Sheedy. The Former Essendon Bombers coach and now GWS Giants coach, worked alongside Grilla at the 2004 and 2007 USAFL Nationals and was instrumental in brining the USAFL market specific brand of tournament presentation to the International Cup. Grilla is currently in negotiations with the AFL to be the voice behind this year's International Cup in Sydney and Melbourne.

Not only does Grilla have an unmistakable voice on the footy field, he is also the lead vocalist and performer in the Urban Cowboy Band…  an alluring Southern Rock outfit that transform the converted, the committed, the lost, the unredeemed and those who want to rise again through the spirit of new country, blues and gospel. Urban Cowboy Band have supported Australian music greats like  Jimmy Barnes and Adam Brand whilst Grilla has announced for Lee Kernaghan.

You can find our more about the Urban Cowboy Band's upcoming Australian performances on their MySpace page or follow them Facebook.

"See you at this year's Nationals in Austin Texas, where we will have a real good time!!"