The Footy Show is returning in 2019, but not even remotely in a form audiences are used to. As part of that revamp, Channel Nine has begun circling new on-air talent to helm the show, one of whom appears set to be your mate and mine, the absolute legend himself, Dylan Alcott.
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The Herald Sun reports that the entirely revamped Footy Show will be anchored by tenured comedian and radio/TV host Anthony “Lehmo” Lehmann and ex-Carlton and Brisbane star Brendan Fevola, with Alcott tipped to join the panel as a regular third. That trio will be joined by a yet-to-be confirmed “female sporting identity“, with a fifth chair to be filled by a rotating cast of comedians, former footballing greats, and current AFL players. While the format of the show is being completely revamped as part of the production shake up, the series will retain the Footy Show name and branding.
Eddie McGuire‘s production company JAM TV will continue to produce the series, McGuire himself will not have an on-air role on the show. The same goes for Sam Newman, whose convoluted and far-too-long tenure on the series ended late last year. Despite this merciful withdrawal from weekly TV, Newman will not disappear from television altogether; both he and McGuire will present a series of football special throughout the year.
Executive producer Anthony Watt, who previously produced almost every episode of Spicks and Specks, has been tapped to helm the new version of the show, which is expected to focus less on team lists and more on the “lighter side” of footy.
The Footy Show will not be the only AFL offering on Channel Nine’s schedule this coming men’s season: Craig Hutchison‘s Crocmedia company has reportedly been given the greenlight to produce a new player-centric show that seems to be in response to the success of athlete produced sources like The Players’ Voice or The Players’ Tribune. Journalist Sam McClure, who recently left Channel Seven, is said to have been tapped to host.
Really though, absolutely get around Dylan Alcott, the absolute king. Huge gig, very thoroughly deserved.
