Garry Lyon leaves Channel Nine for Fox Footy

IN a blow to Nine’s popular Footy Classified program, Garry Lyon has left the network after 23 years for a new commentary gig — and he’ll be joined by a St Kilda legend.

Dermott Brereton welcomes Garry Lyon to Fox Footy. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

GARRY Lyon has left Channel Nine after 23 years for the lure of commentating on Fox Footy.

In a blow to Nine’s popular Footy Classified program, Lyon will be joining retired St Kilda champion Nick Riewoldt in a new Fox Footy line-up next year.

“You don’t make those decisions lightly,’’ Lyon said.

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“I’ve had such a great time there (at Channel 9) and they’ve been good to me and gave me the opportunity straight out of playing.

Dermott Brereton welcomes Garry Lyon to Fox Footy. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“To call footy on telly again is something that turned the whole decision and my thinking anyway.”

Lyon’s departure is a blow to Nine’s popular Footy Classified program which is now on the hunt for a replacement.

Fox Sports CEO Patrick Delany welcomed Lyon.

“Garry says it how it is. With over 30 years’ experience playing and commentating AFL, he has a deep understanding of the game that few have.”

Lyon said calling footy wasn’t “rocket science” but footy was his passion.

“Everyone’s different but calling televised games is the highlight from a footy commentary point of view,’’ he said.

“Probably the most fun I’ve had in the media was when Channel 9 did have the footy for that five year period and I loved every minute of that. I always hoped that somewhere down the track I’d get another crack at it. That hasn’t eventuated obviously, so this opportunity arose and there was a chance to do that.”

A Channel 9 spokesman said: “We’ve been great supporters of Garry for more than 20 years. He’s great talent and we wish him all the best for the next chapter in his career.”

Lyon will take a break for a few months now.

He said despite speculation to the contrary, he would continue on as host of SEN’s Breakfast show and call at least one game a week for the sport’s station.