Leigh Matthews joins Fox Footy: ‘When he talks – everyone pays attention’

Fox Sports’ managing director Steve Crawley says “there is no bigger name in the AFL” than its latest recruit, while Gerard Whateley and Anthony Hudson are reuniting as a commentary dream team.

Leigh Matthews has joined the Fox Footy team. Picture: Getty

A new bumper broadcast line-up has been unveiled by Fox Footy with a Friday night dream team the jewel in the commentary fixture.

With 2025 the start of a landmark rights deal signed by the Foxtel Group, it’s been revealed the Friday night calling team will be Gerard Whateley and Anthony Hudson.

It is the cherry on top for Whateley who will host nightly juggernaut AFL360 alongside Garry Lyon in 2025.

“This (new deal) gives Fox Footy the capacity to be all that it can be,” Whateley said.

Fox Footy’s Anthony Hudson and Gerard Whateley will call Friday night games.

“We’ve seen with the cricket just how transformative it is to have its own product and you won’t want to be anywhere else.

“I’ve had a long standing ambition to call football and having all the major timeslots it was a possibility now.

“I’ve always had enormous respect for TV and Friday nights are established as the marquee game.

“(Hudson) is the best of our generation. Every generation in their sport has a voice and Huddo is that with footy.”

Hudson, who called footy alongside Whateley on radio for four years, said it would be a thrill to reunite.

“It’s still a bit surreal at this stage,” Hudson said.

“To work with him and see how he does it, he can calculate the moment. There’s no one better that can sum up a storyline.”

In another big move, former Tigers star Jack Riewoldt will replace Lyon as host of On The Couch, alongside Nathan Buckley and Jonathan Brown.

“He started as a player on AFL360 and he used to hide from media and now he’s a shining star,” said Fox Footy general manager Michael Neill.

Jack Riewoldt will host On The Couch. Picture: Getty

“It’s building on what we’ve done and reinventing it for a new broadcast deal. We’re really confident that what we are delivering will be a step up.”

Fox Footy has already announced the key signings of Shaun Burgoyne and Tom Hawkins, with more expected.

Fox Footy – available on Kayo Sports and Foxtel – will be the only place to watch AFL exclusively live on Saturday’s nationally for the first eight rounds of the home and away season – nine weeks, inclusive of Opening Round.

Super Saturday live is a new offering for subscribers that will see live coverage on Fox Footy from midday to midnight every week including more analysis, programming and every blockbuster match, with no ad breaks during play.

Fox Sports’ managing director Steve Crawley said delivering Leigh Matthews and other key announcements was a huge win.

“There is no bigger name in the AFL than Leigh Matthews,” Crawley said.

“His playing and coaching career is unrivalled and when he talks – everyone pays attention.

“We’re honoured he’s chosen us to share his insights. We just hope Jason (Dunstall) is comfortable having another ‘legend’ on the team.

Fox Sports’ managing director Steve Crawley says there is no bigger name in the AFL than Leigh Matthews. Picture: Getty

“We’re expecting new subscribers in ‘25 and we can’t wait for them to enjoy the combination of Huddo and Gerard calling Friday nights. These two aren’t strangers to calling together, but a new combo for Fox Footy, we know our audiences will value their clear, accurate, and descriptive call.

“We’re proud of our bench, we’re thrilled Garry will be joining Gerard on AFL 360 and we can’t wait to have Jack joining our great Couch team as our new host. It’s been a busy off-season and we’re not done yet.”