‘It is a privilege that has never been lost on me either to be invited into your homes to deliver your sporting news’

The footy legend and long-time broadcaster and commentator has delivered an on-air goodbye in his last night as sports presenter.

Tim Watson with fellow Channel 7 presenters Jane Bunn and Peter Mitchell.

Channel 7 sports presenter Tim Watson has signed off from television after three decades with an emotional farewell message.

The footy legend and long-time broadcaster and commentator said he’s had the “best job for nearly 30 years” at Seven.

“I honestly didn’t think I was going to last very long,” Watson said after delivering the sport segment on Thursday night.

“After what I can only describe as a very modest start to a TV sports hosting career but somebody backed me and I thank them for their patience.

Tim Watson worked at Channel 7 for nearly 30 years.

“Seven has been a great place to work, full of talented, committed, dedicated people who deliver their best every day. There’s a huge team behind what we do each and every day, we just front it. And I thank all those people.

“It is a privilege that has never been lost on me either to be invited into your homes to deliver your sporting news.”

Watson will be replaced by Rebecca Maddern who will present sport from Monday-Friday alongside news presenter Peter Mitchell and weather presenter Jane Bunn.

“Bec, I know she’ll do a great job alongside Mitch and Jane next year,” Watson said.

“And as they say the show goes on, thank you and goodbye.”

Watson was presented with a final gift, a poster by Herald Sun cartoonist Mark Knight, which he said had made his day.

Broadcasting legend @timwatson32 has been surprised with a special gift as he signed off from @Channel7 for the last time. https://t.co/ylkH4XY09Y@7AFL#7NEWSpic.twitter.com/dkbCCkIglB

— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) December 19, 2024

He was flanked by news presenters Mike Amor and Karina Carvalho and weather presenter Sonia Marinelli.

“It‘s impossible to ignore, these are Tim’s final moments here at the Seven newsdesk,” Amor said.

“Very emotional for us, Tim, I know you strictly didn’t want any fanfare, you’re a very modest guy but as a very much loved and revered colleague, gee we’re going to miss you mate.”

Watson, 63, says he wants to spend more time with his grandchildren.

He had a farewell dinner on Wednesday night with colleagues at Lamaro’s in South Melbourne.

Watson played 307 games for Essendon and won three premierships in 1984, 1985 and 1993.

Watson won three premierships with the Bombers. Picture: Getty

Following his retirement from the game in 1994 he joined 7NEWS Melbourne to present the weeknight sports bulletin and was also a key member of Seven’s AFL commentary team.

In 1999 he left to coach St Kilda and returned to television after two seasons to the weeknight sports presenter role in 2013.