AFL360 reaches historic 1500th episode milestone – Tonight, Fox Footy and Kayo SPORTS will celebrate one of the most significant milestones in Australian sports broadcasting history, as AFL360 airs its 1,500th episode, the most episodes of any AFL program in history.
Since launching in 2012 as part of Fox Footy’s AFL rights deal, AFL360 has become the heartbeat of footy conversation. It’s been an unmissable fixture in the weekly routine of footy fans across the country, delivering the game’s biggest stories, sharpest analysis, and most compelling conversations, night after night, season after season.
While Gerard Whateley and Garry Lyon are the faces of the show today, the co-host chair has welcomed some of sport’s most iconic figures. Former Herald Sun Chief Football Writer, Mark Robinson was a staple for 14 years, the late Shane Warne was a genuine fan of the program and a natural in the seat, former AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan brought a unique perspective from the game’s top office, and a host of football royalty including Jason Dunstall, Nick Riewoldt, Leigh Montagna, David King, Jordan Lewis, Nathan Buckley, Dermott Brereton and Adam Simpson have all filled in across the years.
The show pioneered a format that remains a world first in sports broadcasting: multiple AFL senior coaches speaking candidly to one another in a live panel setting.
Over the years, the likes of Mark Thompson, Nathan Buckley, Paul Roos, Sam Mitchell, Chris Scott, Brad Scott, Alan Richardson, Rodney Eade, James Hird, Leon Cameron and Simon Goodwin have taken their seats around the desk. In 2026, all 18 AFL clubs are represented through the show’s rotating coach format.
The players featured have been equally star-studded. From Eddie Betts, Bob Murphy, Jordan Lewis, Brad Sewell, Jack Riewoldt and Brendon Goddard to the current generation of Toby Greene, Patrick Dangerfield, Nick Daicos, Errol Gulden, Christian Petracca, Zach Merrett, Jeremy Howe, Josh Dunkley and Jordan Dawson, AFL360 has always had the game’s biggest names speaking openly and honestly.
On the road, AFL360 has taken its desk to the moments that define the football calendar: Gather Round, the Brownlow, AFL’s Hall of Fame, the MVP Awards, Grand Final week at Federation Square and outside the MCG, as well as live broadcasts following King’s Birthday and Easter Monday clashes at the ‘G. Wherever football has gathered, AFL360 has been there.
There have also been moments across 1,500 episodes that have transcended the sport, and when the biggest news rocks the footy world, fans turn to AFL360. Most recently seen when a raw and emotional Garry Lyon spoke of the loss of his great mate Neale Daniher shortly after he had passed away.
AFL360 co-host, Garry Lyon said:
“I came to this show acutely aware that it was the place football lovers went to to understand what was happening in the football landscape.
“There are so many layers to football these days, and I hope that between Gerard and myself we can provide some sort of clarity on issues that emerge, both on field and off.
“There is plenty of hysterical football reporting, what I hope this show provides is a balanced, grown up, considered dialogue that is respected at AFL level, clubland and in the broader football supporting community.
“Gerard is the most professional voice that makes the most sense of the most complex issues of anyone in the game today. He has the ear of every key decision maker in the game and is the man that the 18 coaches want to be interviewed by. Because they know there is no agenda, that he will ask the right question at the right time, that there will be no easy ride, but nor will there be any hot take grandstanding.
“As a co-host, he has an innate understanding of the game which in turn allows him to bring out the best of what I have to offer. Allowing the person you work alongside to be the best performer they can be is the most underrated skill in the business. Gerard has mastered this from day 1 on AFL 360.”
AFL360 co-host from day one, Gerard Whateley said:
“It’s been such a privilege to be part of AFL360 for 1500 episodes. It feels quite poignant to reach that marker this week in particular.
“Reflecting upon and reliving Neale Daniher’s appearances on the program taking us back to the early years where the set was a little more rustic and the hair a little more plentiful.
“It reminded us of the beautiful connection Robbo had with Neale and those nights when the 360 Family would respond to urgings.
“Robbo’s contributions were immense, so often amusing and lasting.
“Garry is the statesman of the industry now. If you reflect on what he says weeks later, it’s not the least bit uncanny how searingly accurate he is.
“What an honor to share 360 with him after all the programs he’s led for a generation.
“Producer Tim Hodges has been the life force since the program began its nightly run in 2012. It was conceived to be more than the conversation; it’s the packages that celebrate the game and tell the dramatic stories like the build-up to a coach sacking.
“We have always had wonderfully talented people from the edit suites to the control room to bring the show together under Tim’s direction and creative flare.
“We love watching those pieces go to air setting the tone for what is about to be discussed. Often, it’s a high bar to live up to.”
From a standing start in 2012 to 1,500 episodes in 2026, AFL360 has earned its place not just in the television landscape, but in the lives of Australian football fans.
Episode 1,500 airs tonight Wednesday, May 27 at 6:30pm on Fox Footy, available on Kayo SPORTS.
AFL360 hosted by Gerard Whateley and Garry Lyon airs Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 6:30pm every week across the season on Fox Footy, available on Kayo SPORTS.
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AFL360 reaches historic 1500th episode milestone
