More shake-ups announced to Channel 7’s footy coverage

As the AFL season fast approaches, more changes have been made to Channel 7’s commentary team.

Channel 7 footy commentator Matthew Richardson will move to Friday nights.

Footy great Matthew Richardson will move to Friday nights as Channel 7 continues to freshen up its footy coverage.

Richardson, who was part of the Saturday night coverage along with Hamish McLachlan and Luke Darcy, will now have a broader hosting role.

The former Richmond forward, who was in the special comments chair, is still expected to do some footy commentary.

Last week the Herald Sun revealed Wayne Carey is out of Friday night football in favour of AFLW star Daisy Pearce in the prime time commentary spot.

The former North Melbourne great had been a fixture of the flagship team since 2014 until the reshuffle that sees Pearce joined by Hawthorn premiership captain Luke Hodge in special comments, alongside callers Brian Taylor and James Brayshaw.

Commentators Wayne Carey and Brian Taylor are staying on the commentary team. Picture: Getty Images

Richardson joined Channel 7 in 2010 after retiring in 2009 with 282 games. He is seen as having a big future with an expanded role on Friday nights, which will include a pre, halftime and post show.

“There are a number of changes that are going to happen and it’s just to freshen up the roster,” Channel 7’s managing director Lewis Martin said last week.

“He’s (Carey) coming off SAS, so there’s going to be a number of rotations.”

Also involved in the footy coverage are Brownlow Medallist Jimmy Bartel, Geelong premiership captain Cameron Ling and former Essendon skipper Jobe Watson, who will rotate through from Thursday-Sunday.

Abbey Holmes has also impressed as a boundary rider and will get more prominence, while Winter Olympics host Abbey Gelmi, is also to be involved in the AFL coverage along with Brownlow host Jacqui Felgate.