Footy legend Tim Watson calls time on remarkable TV career with Seven – 7NEWS Melbourne sports anchor Tim Watson has announced his television retirement after three decades with the Seven Network.
Making the announcement during tonight’s bulletin, the respected sports broadcaster called time on a long and distinguished career presenting sport on the top-rating nightly news as well as his role as an expert commentator and contributor to Seven’s AFL coverage.
“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.”
Director, 7NEWS Melbourne, 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.”
7NEWS Melbourne anchor Peter Mitchell said:
“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.”
Watson is one of the AFL’s most revered heroes and equally admired for his role in the media.
Renowned for his superb skills and explosive bursts of pace, he played 307 games for Essendon and won three premierships along the way (1984, 1985 and 1993).
Following his official retirement in 1994, he joined 7NEWS Melbourne to present the weeknight sports bulletin. He was also a key member of Seven’s AFL commentary team.
Watson returned to the AFL ranks in 1999 as coach of St Kilda for two seasons. But his appetite for television never diminished, and he returned to Seven in 2000 as co-host of The Game and in 2002 joined Bruce McAvaney and Caroline Wilson as a member of the Talking Footy team.
In 2013, he returned to the position of 7NEWS Melbourne weeknight sports presenter, a position he has held ever since.
Tim will present his final sports bulletin for 7NEWS Melbourne on Friday, 20 December at 6.00pm.
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Footy legend Tim Watson calls time on remarkable TV career with Seven
