Both Fox Footy and Channel 7 have revealed their broadcasting line-ups for the 2025 season and the big news is that Bruce McAvaney will return to his role on 7 to host the AFL’s coverage on the station.
The other big news was that Richmond great Dustin Martin was not seen listed on Fox’s punditry team, despite huge speculation that emerged last year that he could be set to join up with the station for 2025.
But there is a chance he could feature for the network at some point this year.
Martin, who retired last season, was pictured sitting down for a coffee with Fox Sports boss Steve Crawley and Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany.
His former team-mate Jack Riewoldt was also seen at the meeting.
The photographs raised eyebrows that the ex-Tigers midfielder could be set to make a surprise step into broadcasting following the conclusion of his playing career, rumours which Foxtel subsequently addressed.
Jack Riewoldt (left) has hinted that Dustin Martin (right) could still ‘pop up’ on Fox Footy’s AFL coverage for the 2025 season
Martin was not included in Fox’s official list of broadcasters for the upcoming season, despite rumours circulating last year that he could be hired by the network following his retirement
A spokesperson for Fox Footy also told Daily Mail Australia: ‘We are aware of the speculation surrounding Dustin Martin and Ralph Carr attending a recent meeting with Foxtel Group CEO Patrick Delany, Fox Sports Managing Director Steve Crawley and Fox Footy expert Jack Riewoldt.
‘Whilst we can confirm this meeting took place, we are not yet in a position to comment further.
‘Fox Footy holds regular meetings with current and retired champions of the game and we are always committed to bolstering what is an already unrivalled suite of on-air talent to elevate the viewing experience for subscribers.’
But there is still a chance that Martin, 33, could join up with the broadcaster.
‘He likes us and we like him and we’ll keep chipping away,’ Crawley told the Herald Sun.
‘Someone said to me last night, Dustin Martin is going to be a commentator? And I’m thinking if he wants to be one, he’s going to be one because people don’t know about this guy. He’s got something. I really like him and we continue to talk to Ralph Carr.
‘I think it’s more than a rough chance, I reckon it’s a chance. But I’m not saying it’s going to happen next week. I reckon we’re building a relationship, he’s done two things with us now, both are outstanding.’
Meanwhile, footy great Riewoldt has also hinted that he feels the three-time Norm Smith medallist, will one day pop up on a show on Fox.
Martin, who retired last year, had been linked with a move to join the broadcaster after he was seen meeting with Fox powerbrokers (pictured stood next to his agent Ralph Carr, right)
He told The Herald Sun: ‘He [Martin] only comes out for the big occasions.’
He also revealed how talks over a move to bring Martin to Fox have been evolving.
‘(There were) some private meetings, they were until they were leaked.
‘It’s been good fun. I’ve been enjoying our conversations with Dusty.
‘Everyone wants to know what’s next for Dusty and I just have this weird feeling he’s going to bob up on Fox sometime.’
But a potential move into broadcasting for Martin has been met with some shock from footy fans.
Many have noted that the 33-year-old was never the most outspoken when it came to conducting media interviews or appearing in front of camera, with the midfielder typically cutting a reserved character.
While Channel 7 have been working hard to improve their broadcasting roster, adding Kane Cornes and McAveney to their line-up, so too have Fox.
It comes as Bruce McAvaney will return to Channel 7 to call footy for the 2025 season
The broadcaster has welcomed Hall of Famer Leigh Matthews and premiership coach Adam Simpson to their line-up as well as Shaun Burgoyne and Tom Hawkins – who also retired last year.
‘Season 2024 was a record-breaking year for Fox Footy but with the greatest respect this season’s coverage will be bigger and better,’ Crawley said.
‘It’s the only place where you can see every game of every round live, not to mention with the best callers and the best pictures, and we’re ad-break free in play.
‘Everyone at Fox Footy has been working hard to make sure we bring fans what they deserve – the best of the best. Bring it on!’
