Former Footy Show host Garry Lyon is the latest in a long line of personalities to depart the Nine Network for pay television.
Lyon was sensationally dumped from the show he spearheaded for a decade in 2016 after it was revealed he was having an affair with the wife of his co-host and best friend Billy Brownless.
Fox Sports confirmed his move on Tuesday, with the 50-year-old to join their esteemed Fox Footy crew which includes Eddie McGuire, Jason Dunstall and Dermott Brereton.
‘I can’t wait to kick-off the 2018 season with my new Fox Footy teammates,’ Lyon said.
Disgraced former Footy Show host Garry Lyon is the latest in a long line of names to depart the Nine Network for pay television
Lyon (right) was sensationally dumped from the show in 2016 after it was revealed he was having an affair with the wife of his co-host and best friend Billy Brownless (left)
The Melbourne Demons great has been working for SEN Breakfast Radio in Melbourne the past year, and said he was excited to begin the new chapter in his career after more than 20 years associated with Nine.
‘I’m looking forward to debating all of the latest footy news with Derm (Brereton) and Jase (Dunstall) and getting a firsthand look at the famous Fox Footy Lab,’ he said.
Fox Sports said in a statement that Lyon will join the broadcast team, adding commentary to matches and appearing on ‘various entertainment shows’.
‘Garry says it how it is,’ Fox CEO Patrick Delaney said.
‘With over 30 years’ experience playing and commentating AFL, he has a deep understanding of the game that few have.’
Despite being contracted to the Nine Network, Lyon has not appeared on Australian TV since the details of his affair were revealed
In March 2016, Brownless opened up about the toll the affair has had on his family, saying ‘a good mate wouldn’t do that’ (pictured centre with daughters Lucy left and Ruby right)
Despite being contracted to the Nine Network, Lyon has not appeared on Australian TV since the details of his affair were revealed.
Lyon and Brownless’ wife Nicky had been seeing each other in secret for months, and even denied their relationship when he approached them.
In March 2016, Brownless opened up about the toll the affair has had on his family, saying ‘a good mate wouldn’t do that’ and believed the secret relationship could have been going on for up to four years.
‘I couldn’t believe it. I found out three or four months ago. I asked Garry and Nicky earlier on what is going on and they said they were just good friends. That’s what hurts the most,’ Brownless told the Footy Show.