Gossip Queen: Why Sam Newman’s nine lives are up
The AFL Footy Show was axed last year and his current TV contract is nearing its end. Sam Newman admits it “would be a bit delusional” to think his career could last any longer, so what does the future hold for the controversial host?
Fiona Byrne
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Headline magnet Sam Newman is preparing for life after TV, believing this will likely be his final year with Channel 9.
With the folding of the Thursday Footy Show, a focus on new footy programs and with his current contract ending late this year, he is looking like a star that has been played out of position.
“It would be a bit delusional to think it was probably going to go on any longer,” Newman said.
“I would think this will be the final year that I am with Nine, but I don’t hope that and I don’t wish that.”
Newman has been a high profile fixture with the network for at least 33 years, joining 9 after World Of Sport finished on Channel 7.
“It is a significant part of my vocational life,” he said.
“I am resigned to the fact that this is probably going to be it.
“When it comes as a shock it is a bit hard to handle, but I will be well prepared for this to be my final year with the network.
“If that’s the case it won’t be a tremendous shock but I will certainly miss it.
“They have been a fantastic employer, I have had a great innings with them and if it goes no further it has been a win-win.”
Newman was last week dealing with the drama his boat, Sea Sea Rider, almost sinking after it hit rocks near Williamstown.
“In an uncharacteristic lapse of judgment I managed to place it on the rocks just off the Williamstown football ground, a treacherous area but one I know only too well,” he said.
“I managed to limp it back to its berth at Yarra’s Edge. Unbeknown to me it had ruptured a stern gland and four days later the marina rang and said they feared it was sinking. I immediately went down to find they were very accurate; it was half underwater.”
The damage to the vessel is still being assessed.
“It was a very bad error in judgment that has cost me dearly, but as I say to people you should never cry over things that can’t cry over you,” he said.