Apparently because of some personal “feud” between them, Garry Lyon is unconfirmed for this year’s first episode and Bill Brownless might not appear at all in any episode this year
This is, if this article is true: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/garry-lyon-and-best-friend-bill-brownless-in-feud-that-is-threatening-afl-footy-show-lineup/news-story/d735ea5e13ace7cb5bcdbc380e963a73
paywall
The article says Brownless and Lyon have fallen out over a deeply private matter which affected both personally, and that Nine management knew of the events.
It has just been revealed that Garry Lyon will stand down from media roles as he recovers from a mental health illness. http://www.9news.com.au/entertainment/2016/02/13/14/08/the-footy-show-cohost-garry-lyon-stand-down-mental-health-condition
###GARRY LYON STATEMENT
Garry Lyon will stand down from his various media duties while he seeks treatment for an ongoing mental health condition.
For several months The Footy Show and Footy Classified co-host has been suffering from a serious mental health condition and he will take time out from all media roles to recover. There is no set timeframe as to when he will return to television.
“We are all supporting Garry and hope he will be back to good health very soon. Our priority is his wellbeing,” said Ian Paterson, Managing Director Nine Melbourne.
“Garry has our full support. From here on, it’s a private and personal matter and we ask that be respected.”
The Footy Show will return next month. James Brayshaw will host the show solo until Garry is fit to return.
Damian Barrett will fill in for Garry on Footy Classified during his absence.
I hate rumours of a personal regard, but if the rumour is actually true (and I’m not going into it here at all) then it’s something that needs to be addressed by all parties concerned. Hopefully it can be.
Top story on 7 News Melbourne tonight…
Lyon’s other media commitments include a weekly column for The Age during the AFL season and special comments for Triple M’s AFL coverage. Going to be big shoes to fill.
Grubby work from Seven having it as a top story and mentioning it was a private matter between Gary and Billy as well as mentioning he was stepping down as host for now…But trying to add the professional touch by advising the Lifeline number at the end of the story. It was the second story on Nine News just mentioning he was stepping down as host while he deals with mental health issues
And yes l do know both networks are guilty of doing this over the years to each other over there network personalities. And of course it will always continue.
Wishing Gary all the best and l hope the media in general leave him alone to deal with his issues in the coming months.
Sunday Herald Sun has confirmed an affair between Lyon and Brownless’ ex-wife… A promo shoot for the show scheduled for this Tuesday has been cancelled.
Makes sense. Everything dripping out today seem to point towards a reason like that. A shame
yep that was what my post above was alluding to… it’s not going to be a very easy situation to address.
What a awkward situation.
Returns Thursday, March 10 at 8.30pm in AFL states according to TV Week.
Also according to the Nine Network schedule posted and discussed here 
Tonight’s season opener starts with James Brayshaw, Sam Newman and Billy Brownless sitting on three chairs in front of the audience tables, discussing the affair between Garry Lyon and Brownless’ ex-wife.
DANE SWAN HEADS UP A HUGE FOOTY SHOW
Thursday 17 March at 8.30pm*
With only one week until the 2016 AFL Premiership Season kicks off, you cannot afford to miss The Footy Show’s star-studded lineup – and the return of one of Australia’s most popular comedians – tomorrow night at 8.30pm on Channel Nine.
The Footy Show favourites Dane Swan and Nick Dal Santo head up this week’s panel, and Dave Hughes makes his 2016 Footy Show debut, pulling no punches at the antics of some current players over the summer.
Fresh from signing a new five-year deal, Fremantle coach Ross Lyon stops by to give some insight into what’s in store for the Dockers this year; award-winning newsbreaker Damian Barrett has all the latest footy news; and five top draftees have their Footy Show initiation, including number one pick, Jacob Weitering.
The Best in Footy Show segment starts off as AFL superstars Josh Gibson, Chris Dawes, Dane Swan, Tom Rockliff, David Armitage and Brendan Goddard and their dogs compete in an epic battle to determine just whose dog is the best. Plus another hilarious running of the Footy Show Stakes; and the audience gets a crack at Sam Newman in What the Foss.
Based on last few weeks, Billy Brownless is essentially doing Garry Lyon’s role now. He’s now on every week, sits on the hosting side and walks in with Brayshaw for the introduction. Interesting
I think it’s highly unlikely Lyon will return
Thank God. I’ve hated his presenting style for years and can’t believe an opportunity has come where Nine can get him off our screens forever.
I’d much rather Garry Lyon returned then having Bill Brownless in the co-host chair all the time…