Former Channel 7 star Jacqui Felgate has defected to rival

Respected newsreader Jacqui Felgate’s journey after suddenly quitting Channel 7 has taken another turn with a commitment for 2023.

Star presenter Jacqui Felgate has been announced as the new leading voice of radio station 3AW’s football coverage.

The popular former Channel 7 presenter’s journey after quitting the commercial network earlier this year has taken another turn with a commitment to be the senior host of the Melbourne radio station’s revamped football plans for 2023 as part of a major expansion.

Felgate, a respected newsreader who had been heavily involved in Seven’s AFL coverage, announced on Instagram in April she was pursuing other opportunities following a sudden exit from Seven.

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Felgate is moving on after nearly a decade at Seven, where her role grew to include regular appearances in co-hosting the Brownlow medal presentation.

It was previously reported Felgate, a social media influencer with more than 200,000 followers, was not happy with changes made to the network’s line-up following Rebecca Maddern’s move to the network.

Brownlow host Jacqui Felgate.

Channel 7 Brownlow hosts Jacqui Felgate and Hamish McLachlan

She has landed on her feet.

Felgate made a return to the airwaves in June, joining Melbourne’s 3AW breakfast radio show.

Now her position has been expanded into the station’s football coverage where she will feature next year alongside Matthew Lloyd, Jimmy Bartel, Leigh Matthews, Caroline Wilson and Tim Lane.

The station is owned and operated by Seven’s rival Nine Entertainment Co.

“I grew up listening to 3AW footy while standing with my mum in the outer at Kardinia Park,” she says.

“I’ve loved filling in over recent months and I’m delighted to be able to talk footy with our listeners next season. It really is a privilege to work alongside such experienced and talented broadcasters.”

Felgate had became emotional when she signed off from her final sports bulletin with Seven earlier this year and insisted there was no bad blood with Seven despite her sudden exit.

“I’m had a wonderful time here at Seven,” she said.

“The last two years have been have been really tough and I’m looking forward to being a good mum to my kids.”