Caro strikes me as the type that wouldn’t care for all that drama (for want of a better word).
Move on, take the new opportunity next year. And run with it.
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They did mention Luke Darcy leaving 7 & MMM
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I believe so
I think it was reported she’ll be on ‘gardening leave’ before being allowed to officially start at Seven in about 9 months. So Nine could technically still organise something at another time or show.emphasized text
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Seems like they were instructed not to speak about it. No mention at all although TJ did tease it during the news
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What did TJ say?
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Ironic considering they occasionally have a segment called “Elephant in the room”. It will surely be discussed on Wednesday’s show though.
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The replay is on 9now if you want to rewatch
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Key points:
- Craig Hutchison shared a house with Seven’s new head of sport, Chris Jones, when both were young television reporters.
- Hutchison is set to also feature on Seven next year as his production company, Rainmaker, expands its relationship with the network. Rainmaker also produces Seven’s AFLW, hockey, athletics and surfing coverage.
- SEN produces the Don’t Shoot the Messenger podcast, in which Caroline Wilson teams up with friend and former sports journalist Corrie Perkin.
- Sports Entertainment Group (of which Hutchison is CEO) owns both SEN and Rainmaker.
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Tonight will be interesting.
Not really. They have nothing to gain from mentioning the defecting trio. It will just be a normal show, well done on a great season, we will be back next year etc.
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No, Eddie is not going to shy away from it. He will make a comment about it.
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Lloyd to Dayne Zorko at the end of the interview: “well we need a few new panellists” 
Then a “we’ll see you ALL next year” from Eddie at the end to Barrett, Lloyd and Bartel.
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Eddie was on Today and discussed the defections. Phrases included “at the end of the season you get rid of the list-cloggers and move the new superstars in”. “channel copy-cat has taken something we have done for 18 years” “while they’re doing that we’ll’ come up with something fresh new and exciting”.
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Eddie loves revving up the network wars, but I mean footy classified is a take on talking footy and Craig Hutchinson and Caroline Wilson were both on that program before defecting to nine.
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In a special episode of The Sounding Board recorded live at the Footy Festival outside the MCG yesterday, Craig Hutchison confirmed he was leaving Footy Classified after 18 years and explained his reasons. He refused to say whether he would appear on Seven’s new Monday night show next year.
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2025 Upfront announcement
The hard-hitting Footy Classified returns in a fresh new guise for the 2025 season. Tune in to AFL football’s best breaking-news and analysis program every Monday and mid week.
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AFL LEGEND JAMES HIRD JOINS NINE’S
ALL-STAR FOOTY LINEUP FOR 2025
The 9Network is thrilled to announce AFL icon James Hird as the newest addition to our esteemed AFL commentary and analysis team for the 2025 season.
Hird, one of the game’s most celebrated figures, will bring his wealth of experience and unique insights to viewers as a presenter on two marquee programs – Footy Furnace and Footy Classified.
With a storied AFL career that includes a Brownlow Medal in 1996 and a Norm Smith Medal for his heroics in Essendon’s 2000 premiership, Hird’s deep knowledge and passion for the game make him a natural fit for Nine’s AFL line-up. His presence will further solidify Nine as the premier destination for fans who want expert analysis, in-depth commentary and exclusive insights.
Hird will bring his expertise to Footy Classified, Nine’s flagship Aussie Rules program and the trusted voice for AFL fans, delivering in-depth analysis, the latest headlines and heated debates twice weekly. He’ll also join Footy Furnace, a hard-hitting show that takes an uncompromising look at all things AFL, quickly becoming must-watch Sunday night television for footy fans.
Nine is committed to delivering comprehensive AFL coverage every week, with two episodes of Footy Classified, The Sunday Footy Show and Footy Furnace ensuring fans stay connected to every moment of the game.
In addition to Hird’s arrival, the network will be making a series of other major announcements regarding our 2025 AFL coverage, elevating our commitment to Australian Rules football and bringing fans closer to the game than ever before.
Brent Williams, Director of Sport for the 9Network, said of the new appointment:
“As a player, James Hird’s achievements on the field comfortably put him in the upper echelon of AFL greats. Off the field he has always proven to be a polished media performer with a strong opinion and unique insights. James played a huge part in the success of The Footy Show over many years and we’re thrilled to be welcoming him back into the Wide World of Sport and Nine family.”James Hird said:
“I’m incredibly excited to rejoin the 9Network and be part of such a passionate team covering the AFL. I am thrilled to bring my perspective to the table on Footy Classified. With Footy Furnace entering its second year, we’re set to deliver even more hard-hitting insights and conversations that fans won’t want to miss. I can’t wait to get started and dive into what promises to be an unforgettable season.”James Hird’s arrival signals the start of an exciting new chapter for AFL on Nine, promising unmatched access, compelling analysis and a line-up of experts that fans won’t find anywhere else.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to redefine AFL coverage in 2025.
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