Hawthorn legend and star AFL commentator makes surprise switch to rival broadcaster

Four-time AFL premiership midfielder Shaun Burgoyne is leaving Channel 7 to join sports broadcaster Fox Footy in 2025 in a huge move for the network.

The top commentator had been a big part of Channel 7’s AFL coverage since 2022, but is shifting to Fox Footy, coinciding with the start of a new rights deal penned by the Foxtel Group.

Fox Sports Managing Director Steve Crawley is excited about the move, highlighting Burgoyne’s expertise.

‘Shaun is a straight shooter with a trusted opinion and has earned the respect of all football fans,’ Crawley remarked.

‘He is football royalty, and he wants to work at Fox Footy.’

Four premierships with Port Adelaide and Hawthorn, 407 professional games, a member of the All Australian team in 2006 and a proud Indigenous leader on and off the field – Burgoyne has achieved more than most.

The signing of the four-time AFL premiership midfielder is a game-changing move

Kayo Sports said in a statement: ‘Burgoyne is the first of several experts expected to sign with Fox Footy in new roles next season as they bolster their ranks to maximise the opportunity the 2025 rights afford them.’

Burgoyne joins a lineup of respected analysts and former footy greats, including Garry Lyon, Jason Dunstall, Nathan Buckley and Jonathan Brown.

The latest footy media move comes after an off-season that’s seen plenty of shifting. 

Channel 7 have poached Nick Riewoldt, Kane Cornes and Caroline Wilson. While Luke Darcy announced he will be stepping down from his roles with Channel 7 and Triple M.