Why departing AFL 360 host Mark Robinson and Gerard Whateley were footy’s version of The Odd Couple

Mark Robinson and Gerard Whateley were thrown together as hosts of AFL 360 in 2010 – and quickly became footy’s version of the Odd Couple.

Robinson is the long-serving chief football writer for the Herald Sun in Melbourne, and the old school reporter is famed for his dry sense of humour and elite interview skills.

Whateley, a world class sports commentator, is far more reserved in comparison, with his emotive focus seeing him a revered figure in AFL circles as well as cricket.

Pay television executives took a gamble when they put the pair in front of the cameras, but it paid off handsomely.

Some 14 years later, the partnership has ended, with Robinson not to return to the program in 2025.

He also didn’t present Monday’s AFL season review.

The man affectionately known as ‘Robbo’ is tipped to stay on at Fox Footy next year, but won’t front the panel show, which is must-watch for many supporters, especially in AFL-mad Victoria.

On Monday night, Whateley paid tribute to his long term colleague, who are polar opposites in many ways.

Robinson is an old school sports reporter famed for his dry sense of humour and elite interview skills

Whateley, a world class sports commentator, is far more reserved in comparison, with his emotive focus ensuring he is a revered figure in AFL circles

‘Tonight, the big thank you is to Robbo. We were brought together with almost nothing in common, other than footy. It’s a passion that bound us to each other, and also bound us to you,’ he said.

‘In television terms, it’s an astonishingly long time to spend together and I’ll always have the sense of gratitude for the almost 1500 shows that we’ve done in partnership together. 

‘Robbo, it’s been grand.’

Potential replacements include Richmond great Jack Riewoldt and Fox Footy’s Garry Lyon. 

Whateley is also expected to stay with Fox Sports – but Channel 7 sport boss Chris Jones may offer a contract that is too good to refuse.

Away from TV, Whateley is employed by SEN Radio, where he is the station’s chief sports caller – and also hosts a morning radio show from the Melbourne studio.

The ambitious Jones has already poached Kane Cornes from Channel 9, with veteran reporter Caroline Wilson and footy great Leigh Matthews likely to follow suit.

It comes after Nick Riewoldt confirmed he is returning to TV next year with Seven after being based in the US in recent years with his family.

‘We are beyond excited to welcome Nick to the Seven family in 2025,’ Channel 7’s Jones said.

‘Nick is one of the game’s greatest modern-day players and an elite football analyst. 

‘He’ll be a perfect addition to our already star-studded team of 7AFL experts, callers, and hosts.

‘As we expand our AFL programming, more opportunities open up for industry talent to join football’s No.1 commentary team, and we can’t wait to see how Nick’s expertise will elevate and complement our already outstanding coverage in 2025.’