James Hird in massive career turn as AFL world left saddened over news about Tim Watson

On the same day that Tim Watson announced he's retiring from TV and leaving his role with Channel 7, James Hird was unveiled as a new analyst for Channel 9. The AFL media landscape has undergone a big shake-up in recent months, with a number of big names leaving roles or switching networks.

On Monday night, Essendon great Watson revealed on the 6pm bulletin in Melbourne that he's stepping down and retiring from TV in December. “I have enjoyed the best job in the world at a network that has been incredibly supportive,” Watson said. “Surrounded by dedicated and talented people who work hard every day to produce the best news bulletins, it’s been a privilege and a pleasure to be invited into people’s homes to deliver the sporting news.”

Colleague Peter Mitchell said: “Having Tim come in to sit beside me on weeknights for so long has been one of the privileges of my job at Seven. He’s not only a Bombers legend, he really is also one of the finest people I’ve ever met.

“Aside from his on-air talent and insights, I’m going to deeply miss our behind-the-scenes banter about such a diverse range of topics, from footy to Taylor Swift, pizza ovens and toppings, to politics, music and families. I wish Tim and his extended family nothing but the best with his new direction.”

As well as reading the sport bulletin, Watson appeared on various AFL shows across three decades at Seven. He played 307 games for Essendon and won premierships in 1984, 1985 and 1993. He also coached St Kilda in 1999 and 2000 before turning to a career in media. Taking to social media, fans congratulated Watson on his career and were left saddened by the news of his departure.

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James Hird joins Channel 9 footy team for 2025

The news came on the same day that Channel 9 announced fellow Essendon legend Hird would be joining their footy team in 2025. The former Bombers player and coach will replace Leigh Matthews on 'Footy Furnace' on Sunday nights alongside Jimmy Bartel and Tom Morris. He will also make regular appearances on 'Footy Classified', most likely on Wednesday nights.

“I am thrilled to bring my perspective to the table on Footy Classified," he said in a statement. “With Footy Furnace entering its second year, we’re set to deliver even more hard-hitting insights and conversations that fans won’t want to miss. I can’t wait to get started and dive into what promises to be an unforgettable season.”

Hird's decision to get back into the media comes after unsuccessful attempts to snare a head-coaching role in the AFL. He worked with GWS in an assistant role in 2022, which came after he was knocked back for the top job at Essendon - where he played 253 games and coached for 85 more - as Brad Scott got the gig.

Speaking at the time, Watson warned the Bombers about bringing back his former teammate Hird as it would stir up too much controversy relating to the infamous supplements scandal. “I think for a lot of people it would drag back all those things that happened and occurred during that period of time that he was there as coach,” Watson said on SEN radio. “He hasn’t coached since 2015, he wasn’t a successful coach back then when he did coach, although there were these unusual circumstances around all that."