Fox Footy presenter and broadcaster Gerard Whateley has confirmed his long-standing broadcast partnership with co-host Mark ‘Robbo’ Robinson on AFL 360 has officially come to an end.
Reports of news corporation had claimed that Robinson was due to make his final appearance on the show’s broadcast on Monday night, with the pair expected to complete their annual Grand Final review.
The duo launched AFL 360 in 2010 and over the years have entertained viewers with analysis, humor and in-depth discussions on some of the league’s biggest talking points.
Robinson was not present on Monday’s episode of AFL 360, with Jack Riewoldt joining Whateley.
But before the final credits rolled, Whateley saved his final words for his former colleague Robinson, delivering a heartfelt thank you note to the Herald Sun writer.
“Tonight the big thank you goes to Robbo,” Whateley said at the end of the show. ‘We have shared 15 years together at the desk.
“We came together with almost nothing in common other than football.
‘It was passion that brought us together and also brought us together (the audience).
Gerard Whateley (pictured) has confirmed his AFL 360 co-presenter Mark Robinson will be leaving the show.
Mark Robinson (right) was not present on Monday night’s edition of Fox Footy.
‘Robbo’ hosts the hit TV show with Gerard Whateley (left) for 14 years
‘In television terms, it’s a surprisingly long time to spend together and I will always have a feeling of gratitude for the almost 1,500 shows we have made together collaboratively.
“Robbo, it’s been great.”
So far it is not known who could replace him next year.
Before the show ended, Whateley apparently confirmed that, despite the shake-up in the organisation, he would stay on to present AFL 360 next season.
He said, “I’ll see you in 360 next year.”
Speculation had arisen in recent weeks about Whateley’s future at Fox, amid what has been a major shakeup in the media landscape in recent weeks.
According to The Age, a source had told the outlet that Whateley “was likely to call games for Fox next season.”
It comes as Kane Cornes and Caroline Wilson recently jumped ship from Nine to Seven.
Last week it was also announced that Seven had secured St Kilda great Nick Riewoldt as an expert commentator for the 2025 season and beyond.
The St Kilda legend, 41, left his successful television career with Fox Sports in 2022 to move with his family of five to Houston, Texas, as his wife’s family is from the area.
Riewoldt’s insight and personality have been missed by football fans, with the former striker striking up strong chemistry with Jonathan Brown, Kath Loughnan and Nathan Buckley.
As a result, speculation has been rife over the Saints great’s return date, and he can now confirm that he will once again appear on Australian television screens several times a week.
“After living in Cath’s hometown of Houston for two years, working full-time in stadium and event technology with PMY, we are all looking forward to returning to Melbourne and joining the Seven family,” Riewoldt said before his arrival.
Monday night’s AFL 360 big final review episode will be the duo’s last together
‘I’m excited to join 7AFL and be part of the new vision for the network’s football coverage and programming in 2025 and beyond.
“Seven has put together a great team and I can’t wait to get started and work alongside the team to bring the game directly to football fans across Australia.”
Chris Jones, director of Network Sport, said: “We are very excited to welcome Nick to the Seven family in 2025.
“Nick is one of the best players today and an elite football analyst. He will be a perfect addition to our already star-studded team of 7AFL pundits, callers and hosts.
“As we expand our AFL programming, more opportunities are opening up for industry talent to join football’s number one commentary team, and we are eager to see how Nick’s experience will elevate and complement our already outstanding coverage in 2025”.