- An ex-Essendon star has announced he will be ending his broadcasting career
- The TV presenter has worked on screen for Channel Seven for nearly 30 years
Several big changes have taken place in the Australian sports media landscape over the last few months, with multiple big-name pundits, commentators and personalities switching to new broadcasters.
But another legendary footy broadcaster has made a call on his future and has decided to call time on his distinguished broadcasting career.
7News Melbourne sports anchor Tim Watson has announced that he will be retiring from broadcasting after over 30 years working on the network.
Watson, 63, enjoyed a successful playing career with Essendon and the West Coast, playing as a half-forward and ruckman. He’d make 307 AFL appearances before hanging up his boots in 1994.
While broadcasting would be his main calling, Watson would return to coach St Kilda for two seasons between 1999 and 2000.
Essendon great Tim Watson has announced that he will be retiring from his role on Channel Seven
Watson has worked for the network for nearly 30 years, presenting sports news bulletins every night at 6pm
Watson, who has been a regular commentator for Seven’s AFL coverage and also went on to read the 6pm, news bulletin for the past 11 years, announced his departure during Monday night’s broadcast.
‘I have enjoyed the best job in the world at a network that has been incredibly supportive,’ Watson said.
‘Surrounded by dedicated and talented people who work hard every day to produce the best news bulletins, it’s been a privilege and a pleasure to be invited into people’s homes to deliver the sporting news.’
Watson’s retirement will not come immediately, though, with the legendary footy broadcaster due to make his final appearance on December 20, where he will present the 6pm sports bulletin.
‘I am finishing up in December,’ he said.
‘I will work almost up until Christmas, so it’s been almost 30 years I have been here. I have enjoyed every moment, love working alongside you [Peter Mitchell] but all good things come to an end.’
Watson, renowned for his explosive pace and brilliant onballing skills, is considered a legend on the footy pitch having helped the Bombers clinch three premiership titles during his two stints at the club. He would also go on to win the club’s best-and-fairest medal four times.
Speaking on the footy hall-of-famer’s decision to retire, 7News Melbourne director Chris Salter said: ‘He was a legend on the field, and he leaves Seven as a legend of the media.
‘We thank Tim for his professionalism and many years of loyal service. Viewers will miss him, and the newsroom will too.’
Watson has worked with the broadcaster since 1992 and will officially present his final bulletin on December 20
Watson won three premierships with the bombers during a glittering playing career
Co-anchor Mitchell added: ‘Having Tim come in to sit beside me on weeknights for so long has been one of the privileges of my job at Seven. He’s not only a Bombers legend, he really is also one of the finest people I’ve ever met.
‘Aside from his on-air talent and insights, I’m going to deeply miss our behind-the-scenes banter about such a diverse range of topics, from footy to Taylor Swift, pizza ovens and toppings, to politics, music and families.
‘I wish Tim and his extended family nothing but the best with his new direction.’
His decision to step away from broadcasting comes after several notable figures in the television world have swapped allegiances in recent weeks.
The upheaval began at the end of the AFL season when Channel Nine presenters Kane Cornes, Caroline Wilson and Craig Hutchison all moved to Channel Seven.
Meanwhile, the broadcaster has also signed former St Kilda star Nick Riewoldt.
Ex-Geelong forward Tom Hawkins has finalised a deal to join Fox Footy while Shaun Burgoyne will also join up with Fox after leaving Seven.
