Advertisement

Sam Newman stuns fans with incredible farewell speech

Love him or loathe him, Sam Newman was all class in a heartfelt farewell speech on Thursday night’s Footy Show.

The controversial host kicked off the show with an emotional monologue about how this would be his final year.

Newman has been a regular on the program since 1994, but with uncertainty surrounding the show’s future, he decided to send a message to fans.

“I will not be continuing,” Newman said, taking his time to find the words as he appeared to choke up.

“It’s opportune that I end my association with this show and the network on the off-chance that this is the final show that we do.

“I want to thank you very much for putting up with me or enjoying me.

“There’s been tremendous speculation about this show and me.

“So, on the off-chance, listen to those words, on the off-chance this show is not on next year, this is the opportune time to say what I’m about to say because it’s no good doing it next week when the grand final show is on, because that’s about revelry and merriment, gaiety and laughing.”

Newman has polarised footy fans over the years with his opinions and antics.

“I’ve probably been the most criticised … person in the media in Australia for probably two decades … I wouldn’t have it any other way because you are what you are.

Sam Newman. Image: AFL Footy Show
Sam Newman. Image: AFL Footy Show

“I know who I am, I know what I am. I take it with a grain of salt that people have a right to say whatever they like about me or this show or people on it.

“So, as I say to you, I really appreciate the fact that you have taken the time to tune in, sometimes in big numbers, sometimes in lesser numbers.

“You have got to experience the lows in life to appreciate the highs. I am one of those people. And so this is probably it for me as an in-house Footy Show contributor and next week it will probably be it for me as a grand final Footy Show participant as well.”

Fans and colleagues flocked to social media after the speech to heap praise on the footy great.

On Friday morning, Footy Show host Eddie McGuire said he was still hopeful Newman would be back next year.

“I am very very hopeful the great man will be part of Channel 9,” he told Triple M Hot Breakfast.

“You know my absolute love and respect for Sam it would be absolute madness for him not to be part of Channel 9 next year.

“I’m still very hopeful and confident, and I’ve got no inside mail on this because the decisions haven’t been made.”