Channel 7 goes all in on popular sport presenter

Channel 7 is making a big move with a former Footy Show host as the network continues to make major changes.

Rebecca Maddern. Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Star presenter Rebecca Maddern is taking a big step to take up a newly-created role as chief sports presenter with Channel 7.

The former Footy Show host on Channel 9 has been one of the big winners as the network’s Melbourne newsroom undergoes changes following the TV retirement of sport presenter Tim Watson.

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Seven released a statement on Sunday morning to announce Maddern’s new position will see her have an “expanded” role.

Among her responsibilities, Maddern will present the sport section alongside Peter Mitchell and Jane Bunn at 6pm, Mondays to Fridays, in Victoria.

Seven has confirmed Maddern will also feature in AFL coverage and other sporting events that the Network has the broadcast rights for.

“Our sports team is stacked with news breakers who are all terrific sports journos in their own right,” Maddern said in a statement.

Rebecca Maddern Picture: Supplied/Channel 7

“The 7NEWS sports department is fired up to bring viewers the very best in 2025.

“I’m thrilled to be offered this opportunity. It brings my years of journalistic experience, broadcasting skills and love of sport all together. To work across 7NEWS and 7SPORT is quite the dream job.

“Sport is the fabric of Melbourne, it’s the unifying thread of the city. Coffee and sport make this town tick and luckily, I’m addicted to both.”

Seven Melbourne Director of News, Chris Salter said: “There’s no-one more qualified than Rebecca to take on this key role at Seven. It’s the perfect person for the perfect role.”

Seven Network Head of Sport, Chris Jones, said: “Bec is an incredibly talented broadcaster and will play a key role across many sport portfolios. She’s also a whole heap of fun and a superb teammate both on and off camera.

Rebecca Maddern and Hamish McLachlan host the 2024 Brownlow Medal. Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

“We’re thrilled to give Bec a platform across 7SPORT to showcase what she does so well, and to be there to guide viewers through some of the magic sporting moments.”

The network’s new presenter, Karina Carvalho, who moved from the ABC, is a potential candidate to take over Maddern’s weekend role.

Carvalho anchored the ABC news program in Brisbane for five years and has co-hosted ABC News Breakfast in Melbourne.

Watson’s departure this month was the end of an era.

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.