AFL legend, veteran Channel 7 sports presenter quits

An AFL legend has announced he is quitting the television industry, while his ex-teammate is making a return to the media.

Tim Watson and James Hird.

One of Channel 7’s longest serving presenters is retiring from television.

On Monday night Tim Watson announced during Seven’s Victorian news bulletin he was calling time on his role at the network.

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“I have enjoyed the best job in the world at a network that has been incredibly supportive,” Watson said.

“Surrounded by dedicated and talented people who work hard every day to produce the best news bulletins, it’s been a privilege and a pleasure to be invited into people’s homes to deliver the sporting news.”

The 63-year-old had been with Channel 7 for three decades in various roles including an expert AFL commentator and more recently as the sports presenter alongside newsreader Peter Mitchell and weather presenter Jane Bunn.

Tim Watson with Peter Mitchell and Jane Bunn. Photo: Channel 7.

Mitchell said: “Having Tim come in to sit beside me on weeknights for so long has been one of the privileges of my job at Seven. He’s not only a Bombers legend, he really is also one of the finest people I’ve ever met.

“Aside from his on-air talent and insights, I’m going to deeply miss our behind-the-scenes banter about such a diverse range of topics, from footy to Taylor Swift, pizza ovens and toppings, to politics, music and families.

“I wish Tim and his extended family nothing but the best with his new direction.”

Seven’s director of news in Melbourne Chris Salter said: “He was a legend on the field, and he leaves Seven as a legend of the media.“We thank Tim for his professionalism and many years of loyal service. Viewers will miss him, and the newsroom will too.”

Watson joined Seven after retiring from footy in 1994 and had roles on shows including The Game and Talking Footy.

Bruce McAvaney, Rick Olarenshaw, Dennis Cometti, Nathan Buckley, Tim Watson, David Schwartz in 2008.

Garry Lyon and Tim Watson host SEN’s breakfast radio show.

He is an Essendon legend, winning three premierships with the Bombers in 1984, 1985 and 1993.

Watson will present his final 6pm sports bulletin Seven on Friday, 20 December.

The popular footy personality also co-hosts SEN’s flagship breakfast show with Melbourne great Garry Lyon.

It’s unclear for now if Watson will continue on with the radio station or retire from media altogether.

The news confirms one of the worst kept secrets in footy media after Luke Darcy spilled the beans on Watson’s departure in September.

A replacement for Watson hasn’t been confirmed but former Footy Show host Rebecca Maddern is expected to take over his role.

James Hird joins Channel 9

Meanwhile, fellow Essendon legend James Hird will join Channel 9’s AFL coverage including panel show Footy Furnace.

Hird will replace Leigh Matthews on the show, joining host Tom Horris and Geelong great Jimmy Bartel.

“I miss the game,” Hird told Nine.

The 51-year-old coached the Bombers for three seasons but his tenure was cut short by the infamous supplements saga in 2013.

James Hird (left) and Tim Watson played in the 1993 premiership.

Hird is back in the footy landscape.

“The game’s a great game. I suppose the publicity side I haven’t missed.

“The time feels right. It’s been a long time since (being on) this side of football.

“Going back and coaching with the Giants a couple years ago fuelled the fire a little bit.

“It’s a bigger game than when I was involved 15 years ago and the scrutiny is on every coach and every player the whole time.

“It’s the biggest thing in town and it’s good to be part of it.”

Hird’s return to footy media is the latest AFL commentary move after Darcy announced he was hanging up his microphone and pursuing other ventures.

Channel 7 is beefing up its broadcast, poaching Caroline Wilson and Kane Cornes from Channel 9 in a bid to improve their midweek footy analysis offerings.