Channel 9 addresses Warren Tredrea rumour over vaccination stance

Channel 9 has responded to rumours about Port Adelaide legend turned sports presenter Warren Tredrea, who has strong views on vaccination.

The plot thickens in Warren Tredrea's anti-vax stance. Photo: Getty Images and Twitter

Channel 9 has denied it is looking to replace Warren Tredrea as the weekday sports presenter in Adelaide, insisting the AFL legend is “on a break”.

Tredrea suddenly took leave in early December after Channel 9 introduced a double vaccination mandate for employees on all its sites nationally.

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Tredrea, a four-time All-Australian who played all 255 games for Port Adelaide and captained the club’s 2004 premiership team, previously described himself as “pro-choice” when it comes to Covid vaccinations.

The Advertiser reported this week Kym Dillon — who was dumped by Nine in 2015 after 27 years on air — was in line to replace Tredrea if he did not resume his role as a sports presenter.

Dillon is currently the SEN SA radio drive presenter.

Warren Tredrea has not been seen on TV since the vaccine mandate. Photo: Twitter

Nine has hosed down speculation Dillon is in the running for a new gig.

“Any suggestion Nine Adelaide is speaking to, ‘sounding out’ or considering Kym Dillon for a sport presenting role is inaccurate and not the case,” the network said in a statement.

The Advertiser reported earlier this month Tredrea was in talks with Nine surrounding the new vaccination policy.

At the time, a spokesman downplayed Tredrea’s absence, saying: “Warren has chosen to take some time off, which is not unusual for our news, sport and weather presenters as we enter the summer, non-ratings period. This year it suited Warren to begin his time off earlier.”

Tredrea has been working for Nine Adelaide since 2013 and has also been a regular guest and expert commentator on radio station FIVEaa for the AFL season.

Speaking on radio earlier this year, Tredrea said he believed in an individual’s right to make their own choice when it comes to vaccinations.

“No I’m not, I’m fully vaccinated … but I’m not Covid vaccinated,” he said in September. “Everyone is entitled to what they want to do because it’s your body.”

Port skipper Warren Tredrea with the 2004 Premiership cup.

Kym Dillon (left) has been mentioned as a possible option for Nine. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

When speaking about the double vaccination mandate for AFL players, he also said: “It’s everyone’s individual situation and choice. So if a player doesn’t want to do it, that’s fine, that’s their decision. You shouldn’t be able to lose your employment.”

The AFL policy is essentially no jab, no play as unvaccinated players won’t be able to attend club or AFL premises, including to train or play, unless they have a league-approved medical exemption.

Tredrea labelled the vaccine push as “discriminatory” as certain religious and age groups can’t get the jab. He added it should be “a confidential right” and that people should be able to “make your own choice and do your own homework.”