The Sunday Footy Show (AFL)
| Company type | Television program |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television broadcasting |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
Area served | Australia |
Key people | Tony Jones (host), Damian Barrett, Nathan Brown, Matthew Lloyd, Rory Sloane (panel members) |
| Products | Australian rules football coverage and analysis |
| Parent | Nine Network |
The AFL Sunday Footy Show is a program focused on Australian rules football, broadcast on the Nine Network every Sunday from 10am until noon. The show is currently hosted by Tony Jones, alongside panel members Damian Barrett, Nathan Brown, Matthew Lloyd, and Rory Sloane.
History and synopsis
The Sunday Footy Show began as the original incarnation of the Footy Show, drawing inspiration from the 1992 rugby league format. Following its successful debut in 1993, a Grand Final edition filmed before a live studio audience paved the way for a Thursday night version on Nine. The show offers comprehensive coverage of weekend AFL fixtures, including match results, highlights, and interviews with players. Initially led by host Max Walker and featuring panelists such as Sam Kekovich, Sam Newman, Ted Whitten, and Lou Richards, the format has undergone numerous changes but eventually reverted to its classic panel discussion style.
In 2000, hosting duties transitioned from Walker to Garry Lyon. Over time, the panel expanded to include personalities like Brian Taylor, Dermott Brereton, and Billy Brownless. Tony Jones, who served as producer during Lyon’s tenure, took over hosting in 2006 when Lyon shifted to the Thursday show. Jones was replaced by James Brayshaw in 2008; this period saw panel turnovers with departures of Mark Bickley and Danny Frawley and additions of former players Shane Crawford and Nathan Thompson. Further changes involved Taylor and Peter Larkins leaving to make room for Damian Barrett and Nathan Brown. When Brayshaw resigned in 2011, Simon O'Donnell succeeded him but exited in 2012, with Craig Hutchison stepping in as host. During this time, Brereton left for Fox Footy and was replaced by Lloyd.
Lou Richards contributed extensively until 2008; his influence endures through segments like "Lou's Handball" and "Lou's Showcase," which were temporarily halted in 2013 before restarting in 2019.
A notable incident occurred on 12 August 2007 when ex-captain Wayne Carey made inappropriate comments on-air mocking Nathan Thompson’s struggle with depression, including offensive remarks following a commercial break. The Nine Network issued a formal apology regarding this episode.
In December 2016, Tony Jones returned to hosting duties after replacing Hutchison, who moved to the Thursday program following Brayshaw’s departure. Panel adjustments included Luke Ball leaving to assume the role of AFL National Umpiring Director, with Kane Cornes joining as his replacement.
In 2019, Sam Newman rejoined the lineup but parted ways with Channel Nine by June 2020 despite occasional guest appearances.
In September 2021, veteran panelist Billy Brownless ended his 27-year association with the Nine Network.
Presenters
- Max Walker (1993–1999)
- Garry Lyon (2000–2005)
- Tony Jones (2006–2008, 2017–present)
- James Brayshaw (2009–2011)
- Simon O'Donnell (2012)
- Craig Hutchison (2013–2016)
See also
- List of Australian television series
- List of longest-running Australian television series
- The Sunday Footy Show (rugby league)
References
- Articles with short description
- Australian television series debuts in 1993
- Australian television series of the 2000s
- Australian television series of the 2010s
- English-language television programs from Australia
- Television programs located in Victoria (state)
- Television series focused on Australian rules football
- Nine Network's Wide World of Sports
- Television articles with naming style errors
- Nine's Wide World of Sports