Rival lures AFL legend Leigh Matthews from Channel Seven

AFL legend Leigh Matthews will do what’s common in media these days and appear on another network to headline a new Sunday night footy show.

Leigh Matthews and Kevin Sheedy during the State Memorial Service to honour the life of Ron Barassi at the MCG. Picture: Aaron Francis

AFL legend Leigh Matthews is set to headline Channel 9’s new Sunday night football show.

The Herald Sun can reveal Matthews, who has been a long-time commentator and panellist on Channel 7, would be joined by footy great Jimmy Bartel and Nine’s chief football reporter Tom Morris on the new weekly program.

Matthews, regarded as the game’s greatest player, has been commentating on select matches for Seven.

He has appeared on the network on and off since the 90s when he was also a panellist on marquee analysis show Talking Footy.

Matthews won four premierships as a coach — Brisbane from 2001-03 and Collingwood in 1990 — played in four premierships with Hawthorn and has an unrivalled football resume.

Last year he turned his back on a potential AFL Commission seat, fed up with the drawn-out process to fill the vacancies.

Matthews, who is part of the 3AW commentary team, has a revered voice in the game.

The wrap of the round show will be streamed live on 9Now at 7.30pm on Sundays and then airs on Nine’s main channel after 60 minutes that night.