Kane Cornes crowned AFL’s best media performer – Kane Cornes, 7AFL Kids Call and Mitch Cleary win at Australian Football Media Awards.
The Seven Network has once again cemented its position as the Home of Footy, claiming multiple honours at the 2025 Australian Football Media Awards (AFMA), including the prestigious Alf Brown Award, presented to Kane Cornes, co-host of The Agenda Setters and 7AFL expert commentator, for the second consecutive year.
Announced tonight at the annual ceremony at Marvel Stadium, the Alf Brown Award is presented to the best overall media performer in Australian football and is widely regarded as the highest individual honour in AFL media, determined by an independent panel of AFMA judges.
Cornes also claimed the Lou Richards Medal for the second consecutive year. Named after the iconic Collingwood great, the honour is awarded to a former or current league footballer now working in the media and recognises the qualities displayed by the late Lou Richards, including personality, use of language and humour, as well as care for and knowledge of the game.
Claiming the award for Best Innovation was 7AFL Kids Call, which debuted on 7plus Sport in Round 15.
Fronted by Ned Bolton, Indie Axup and Alex Kouts, alongside seasoned callers in Jack Heverin, Alister Nicholson and a group of current and former players, 7AFL Kids Call was developed to target new, younger audiences on 7plus Sport.
The third instalment of 7AFL Kids Call for the Round 22 Hawthorn v Collingwood match saw a 119% increase in viewership on 7plus Sport, more than doubling the second edition between Collingwood and Fremantle in Round 19.
Recognised for his efforts in breaking the news regarding Joe Daniher’s retirement on Grand Final eve, the GWS GIANTS’ ill-fated wacky Wednesday party and Noah Balta’s arrest, 7NEWS Chief Football Reporter, Mitch Cleary, won the AFMA for Best News or Feature Reporting by an Individual.
Following a successful year for the accomplished journalist, Cleary was also recognised with a commendable mention for the Alf Brown Award for overall best media performer.
2025 Preliminary Finals: Geelong Cats v Hawthorn – 7.00pm AEST Friday live and free on Seven and 7plus
Media Release – Seven
Link to 7plus HERE
TV Central AFL content HERE
Kane Cornes crowned AFL’s best media performer
