Who will replace 7NEWS Adelaide sports journalist and presenter Theo Doropoulos?
As Seven’s senior sports reporter Theo Doropoulos prepares to move to Melbourne, we take a look at the candidates who could fill his spot – and some of them may surprise you.
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Channel 7 sports reporter Theo Doropoulos’s impending transfer to Melbourne has opened up a coveted role in the Adelaide newsroom.
The former cricketer is one of Seven’s more visible faces in the SA market, having worked his way up to become a news-breaking sports journalist and presenter, with a strong focus on AFL.
Now that he’s on the move – having accepted a position replacing Tom Browne with 7News Melbourne – there’s a scramble to find someone to fill his sizeable shoes.
But who’s in the frame to take over? The contenders come from far and wide, most with previous experience and a profile within sport around the state.
While some are already in prominent roles, the opportunity to cover sports with the top-rating host broadcaster of AFL, SANFL and cricket might be too good to refuse.
7NEWS news director Chris Salter said his phone has been “ringing hot”.
“I’ve fielded calls from across Australia – from ex AFL players, Olympians and experienced broadcasters,” he said.
“Given Seven is the home of sport here in Adelaide, it’s a dream job for sports reporters.
“We’ve got a plan and we’ll announce that closer to Christmas.”
Now here are some of the top candidates >>> VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE BELOW
Warren Tredrea
Could Nine’s former sports presenter make a TV comeback with his old employer’s biggest rival?
Currently awaiting a judgment in his $5.7m lawsuit against Nine, Tredrea was out of the spotlight for 12 months following his anti-vaccination stance.
But he made a triumphant return to FIVEaa this year, and now he’s ready to get back in front of the camera in a high-profile on-air role.
Tredrea’s footy background and presenting experience would make him a welcome addition to Seven’s sports team.
Erin Phillips
The AFLW superstar announced her retirement this week following a decorated sporting career on the footy field and on the basketball court.
In the past, she’s made no secret of her desire to enter the media, and has already featured on Mix 102.3’s breakfast radio show alongside Seven sports presenter Mark Soderstrom.
Given her link to Soderstrom, an influential figure at the station, and her strong connections in the footy world, the position could be well within her grasp.
Jade Robran
Last month, this versatile media performer pulled the pin on her time at FIVEaa after two years in the afternoon timeslot.
With her previous experience including work as a presenter covering the AFL Grand Final, Melbourne Cup Carnival, Australian Open and as a correspondent with Sunrise, the bubbly Robran ticks all the boxes.
Her other half, Ben Williams, is also in the AFL world. The top footy agent looks after big names such as Port Adelaide’s rising stars Connor Rozee and Jason Horne-Francis, Swans young gun Errol Gulden and Crows tall Riley Thilthorpe.
Emily Beaton
Part of Fox Netball’s commentary team, the former netballer is understood to be on Seven’s radar for sport and presenting work (and was among the contenders to fill-in for Amelia Mulcahy on the station’s weather segment).
Currently working for Australian Fashion Labels, the stylish Beaton is a two-time premiership player with the Thunderbirds and has the sporting pedigree to secure the position.
Josh Money
This polished performer has impressed at Nine, taking over weekend sports presenting duties following stints at Channel 10 and Fox Sports.
Highly regarded in the industry, TV sources say he’s expected to be one of the frontrunners for the role – if he can be prised away from Nine. Time will tell.
Abbey Holmes
Recently engaged, the popular AFL boundary rider and Seven presenter is hot property at the moment following an appearance on reality TV show SAS Australia.
While she and fiance Keegan Brooksby are settled in Melbourne – and Holmes has aspirations to be a full-time AFL commentator – perhaps an offer to take on a bigger on-air role might be the catalyst for a return home to Adelaide? Stay tuned.
Max Burford
Ten’s weeknight sports presenter is an emerging media name around Adelaide, and is seen as a big part of the station’s future.
But could an opportunity to join the top-rating sports team in town be enough to lure him to Seven?
Industry sources say Burford is likely to be sounded out by Seven, and though it’s hard to see him defecting given his growing reputation at Ten – anything is possible.
Robert Cornthwaite
Since retiring from professional soccer in 2018, the former Adelaide United defender has made a name for himself in the media, most notably as part of Seven Adelaide’s sports team and as a football pundit.
While still honing his TV craft, Cornthwaite would surely put his hand up to take on a more visible on-air role.
Tom Johnson
A relatively new addition to Seven Adelaide’s general reporting team, the passionate Crows fan has the right credentials, previously presenting sport for the network in Tasmania.
He spent eight years developing his talents and on the Apple Isle and sources say he could be a dark horse in the race to replace Doropoulos.
Tom Chadwick
Currently head of media for the Sydney Swans, this former Adelaide TV journalist has enjoyed a long and varied career, much of it spent interstate.
Previously at Nine Adelaide, Chadwick worked for over 10 years at Fox Sports Australia, another three at Seven in Melbourne, and also has experience as an advisor for Major Road Projects Victoria.
He’d be on the wishlist for Seven Adelaide bosses but it’s hard to see him coming back home at this stage.
Nicki Barnet
A media veteran with almost two decades experience, Barnet has the sports presenting pedigree to fill Doropoulos’s big shoes at Seven.
Originally a Fox Sports reporter, she moved to Ten Adelaide where she was a sports reporter, producer and presenter, covering international events such as Formula One and the World Cycling Championships.
Barnet took on similar roles at Seven between 2017 and 2021, and has also worked for big SA sporting teams including the Crows and the Thunderbirds.
Barnet would have to be in the mix.
Rory and/or Belinda Sloane
Full disclosure: this couple is a left-field option. But with a post-footy career firmly on the radar, the photogenic former Crows captain could be a shock contender for the position.
Rory’s high-profile around Adelaide and league-wide footy connections would make him a valuable asset, but obviously a lack of experience in a similar role would count against him.
There’s no such concerns for his wife Belinda, who’s done plenty of presenting work for Channel 7 over several years.
Given her lifestyle background, it’s unlikely to be a position that would suit her (or be one she’d covet), but stranger things have happened in the world of TV.
Andrew Hayes
Well ensconced in the Adelaide media landscape, Hayes is already a key part of Seven’s local sports team but he could be asked to take on a larger role in Doropoulos’s absence.
The former SANFL premiership player would have to combine the expanded role with his position as co-host of Nova 919 breakfast radio show but he’s got the work ethic to pull it off.
Ben Way
A former Channel 10 Adelaide journalist and Fox Sports presenter, Way has been on-air with Sky Racing for almost seven years.
He’s very well-credentialed, having hosted Fox Sports News and covered a long list of major international events over the past 15 years including Olympic Games, Australian Test cricket tours and tennis grand slams.
A return home to Adelaide might be tempting but he’s understood to be enjoying life in Sydney.
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