3AW announces star-studded coverage for 2025 AFL season

The 3AW AFL 2025 line-up includes: 

  • Thursday Night Football: Jimmy Bartel and Matthew Richardson, with callers Anthony Hudson and Bruce Eva.
  • Friday Night Football: Jimmy Bartel and Matthew Lloyd, with callers Tim Lane and Matt Granland.
  • Saturday Footy Preview: Tim Lane, Caroline Wilson, and Leigh Matthews set the stage for the day’s action.
  • Saturday Early Game: Leigh Matthews and Joel Selwood, with callers Bruce Eva and Tony Leonard.
  • Saturday Twilight Game: Tony Shaw and Libby Birch, with callers Matt Granland and Shane McInnes.
  • Sunday Football: Tony Shaw and Matthew Richardson, with callers Bruce Eva and Matt Granland.

Adding to this year’s excitement, renowned journalist Laura Spurway will join the 3AW football team as the station’s first dedicated AFLW reporter, contributing to the Sunday coverage and appearing across all games.

Geelong champion Joel Selwood is joining the team rotating across all games. With his outstanding career as a player and captain, Joel brings all his footy knowledge fresh from the game to the 3AW team.

Additionally, Rory Sloane brings his wealth of experience to the broadcast team. Alongside his new role on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show, Sloane will be rotating into 3AW’s coverage, taking a seat next to AFL legend Leigh Matthews.

Along with our commentary teams and callers we also are thrilled to have back the boundary reporters Jacqui Reed and Carlton AFLW vice captain Abbie McKay.

Fans can also look forward to the return of the Eddie and Jimmy podcast in 2025, which will be publishing three episodes per week, available to listen to on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and to watch on 9Now.

Luca Gonano, Head of 3AW Football, said: With a team of AFL greats, seasoned broadcasters, fresh voices and innovation in the games future, 3AW is proud to continue its tradition of delivering the most  accurate, insightful and entertaining AFL coverage.”

Tune in for every key moment of the 2025 season, live on Melbourne’s own 3AW.

For further information, please contact:
Caitlin Lynch
Senior Communications Manager, Nine
clynch@nine.com.au

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

NRL Round 1 blockbusters this week on the 9Network

First up, two heavyweight clubs will collide on Thursday Night Footy between the Roosters and Broncos at Allianz Stadium, Sydney. The Roosters have been written off after a raft of injuries to key players and roster changes, but three-time premiership winning coach Trent Robinson and captain James Tedesco will be ready to lead the chooks to a statement victory at home against a fancied Broncos side. 

New Broncos coach Michael Maguire has the likes of Reece Walsh, Pat Carrigan and the returning Ben Hunt at his disposal, which has many considering them Premiership threats. 

The Dolphins will meet their former coach Wayne Bennett in his Rabbitohs return on Friday Night Footy in Sydney. The Rabbitohs will be without their Origin superstars Latrell Mitchell and Cameron Murray, but there has been no one more successful than supercoach Bennett at playing the underdog card. 

His former protege turned Dolphins head coach Kristian Woolf, will be hoping for some backline brilliance from the freakishly fast Hamiso Tabui-Fidow and Herbie Farnworth. Go behind the scenes with the Dolphins in RISE OF THE DOLPHINS: Episode 1 following Dolphins v Rabbitohs in all markets on Channel 9, now available to stream on 9Now.

Sunday Arvo Footy launches from AAMI Park, Melbourne where Craig Bellamy and the Storm aim to extend their run of 22 straight Round 1 victories. Standing in their way is a fresh Parramatta Eels line up, coached by former Storm assistant Jason Ryles. 

On the field, the Storm are out to atone for finishing runners up last season when Cam MunsterRyan Papenhuyzen and Dally M Medallist Jahrome Hughes look to send an emphatic statement to the rest of the competition. 

In commentary exclusively for Nine’s Wide World of Sports is the best in the business. Hosted by James Bracey and Danika Mason, the expert commentary line up for 2025 features rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns and fellow premiership winners Cameron SmithBilly SlaterPhil GouldJohnathan ThurstonBrad FittlerPaul GallenDarren LockyerMillie Elliott and Sam Thaiday. Plus women’s internationals Ruan Sims and Allana Ferguson, sideline reporters Marlee Silva and Emma Lawrence, with Lawrence to also host the Sunday Footy Show.

This unrivalled lineup of commentators, boasting 52 Grand Final appearances as players and coaches combined, will provide viewers with insight and analysis all the way through the 2025 season with exclusive access into the dressing sheds after the game.

Calling the live action will be Mat ThompsonBrenton Speed and Peter Psaltis.

BROADCAST SCHEDULE: NRL ROUND 1 ON NINE

Thursday, March 6 
THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL – ROOSTERS v BRONCOS

Sydney          7.30pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Brisbane        6.30pm on 9GemHD, 7.00pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Melbourne     7.30pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Adelaide        7.00pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Perth               4.30pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now

Friday, March 7

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY – DOLPHINS v RABBITOHS

Sydney            7.30pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Brisbane          6.30pm on 9GemHD, 7.00pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Melbourne       7.30pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Adelaide          7.00pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Perth               4.30pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now

RISE OF THE DOLPHINS: Episode 1 – Following Dolphins v Rabbitohs in all markets on Channel 9, Available to stream on 9Now.
Rise of the Dolphins continues the story of Australia’s newest rugby league team, the NRL Dolphins, as they navigate their final season under the legendary NRL coach Wayne Bennett.

Sunday, March 9

WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS – This Week: Roz Kelly, Mark Taylor, Cate Campbell and Morgan Turinui.
Sydney / Brisbane – 10.00am on Channel 9. Melbourne / Adelaide / Perth 12.00pm on Channel 9

THE SUNDAY FOOTY SHOW – Billy Slater, Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler and new host Emma Lawrence. 
Sydney / Brisbane 11.00am on Channel 9
Melbourne 11.00am / Adelaide and Perth 10.30am on 9Gem

SUNDAY ARVO FOOTY – STORM v EELS

Sydney          3.00pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Brisbane        3.00pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Melbourne     3.00pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Adelaide        2.30pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Perth             12.00pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now

Monday, March 10

100% FOOTY 9.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now in Sydney/Brisbane, following Married At First Sight.

It’s business time in the 2025 NRL season. Phil Gould and Paul Gallen are joined by the most capped Queensland Maroons player of all-time, Cameron Smith, when he joins the show full-time. Host James Bracey will steer the ship while 9News rugby league reporters Danny Weidler and Michael Chammas bring the latest breaking news each week.

NRL ON NINE DIGITAL THIS WEEK: AVAILABLE ON 9NOW AND YOUTUBE


Marlee and Me – Valentine Holmes: Marlee Silva is joined by one of the NRL’s most dynamic and versatile players. Born in Townsville with proud Samoan heritage, he made his mark early with the Cronulla Sharks, playing a key role in their historic 2016 premiership win. Known for his speed, skill, and game-changing ability, Val has represented Queensland and Australia at the highest level. His journey also took him to the U.S.A, where he pursued an NFL dream before returning to the NRL with the North Queensland Cowboys. Now a leader on and off the field, he continues to inspire with his passion and dedication to the game as he makes his debut with the St George Illawarra Dragons in 2025.

Immortal Behaviour returns for 2025 with new host Allana Ferguson joining the eighth Immortal Andrew Johns. This week they’ll review the second year of Vegas, look at the contenders for the Premiership, who might be the breakout star of 2025 and where will the pressure hit first across the competition.
Immortal Behaviour, on  9Now and YouTube every Thursday at 5.00pm from March 6.

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Journalist Laura Spurway appointed as 3AW’s first dedicated AFLW reporter

3AW is the first radio station to appoint a dedicated AFLW reporter, with the historic move reflecting the popularity of the women’s code and the station’s intent to help grow the sport.   

Spurway will cover all elements of women’s football, including all state leagues, and her work will feature across Nine Radio’s websites, social media channels, and as part of the network’s news service. She will also work across the station’s AFL coverage. 

Laura Spurway said: “It’s an absolute dream come true to join the 3AW Football team. This radio station is the heartbeat of Melbourne and their exceptional coverage extends way beyond that. I can’t wait to join the ranks of some of the most respected voices in the field for a huge 2025 and beyond.

Stephen Beers, 3AW’s Station Manager, said: “We are delighted to have Laura join the team at 3AW Football in 2025. Laura brings a wealth of experience and is a great addition as we invest in AFLW right across the station to build on the best in AFL coverage.”

In a broadcasting career spanning almost two decades that has taken her across the world including as a writer/producer for CNN in Hong Kong and a placement at German radio giant Deutsche Welle, Spurway’s most recent role was as Sport Reporter for Seven News Melbourne. 

Beginning her career as a producer for Sydney breakfast radio on 2UE, she has previously held roles as a producer/journalist for ABC NewsRadio, a Today Show producer, 9News Melbourne journalist, and Chief of Staff for The Project.

For further information, please contact:
Adrian Motte
Senior Communications Manager – Trade & Publishing 
amotte@nine.com.au

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

FW’s Award-winning domestic violence podcast returns to expose the hidden dangers of separation

New host Tara Rae Moss shares the real stories of victim-survivors who fled violent relationships but still couldn’t escape their abusers. Sub-titled, After She Leaves, this series reveals the heightened risk of abuse after separation for victims of domestic-violence. 

“It is all too common for our community to ask why a woman who has been abused didn’t ‘just leave’ – as though it’s that easy,” said executive producer Sally Spicer. “In this powerful third season of There’s No Place Like Home, listeners will hear affecting true stories that prove abuse often doesn’t end when a relationship does. It simply transforms.” 

“In this season, FW continues our steadfast commitment to supporting victim-survivors to share their stories, in their own words. FW has been privileged to have worked with survivors for three years now. We are proud to be deepening our relationships with the family violence sector and our partner, CommBank Next Chapter.”

There’s No Place Like Home: After she leaves, was created by FW as part of their ongoing  partnership with CommBank Next Chapter, a bank-wide commitment to help end financial abuse and support people on their road to long-term financial independence. 

CBA’s Group Customer Advocate, Angela MacMillan said, “What we see is that financial abuse can be really isolating and frightening, as well as complex and often misunderstood. And because of this people may confuse acts of financial abuse with what could on the surface appear as an act of love or devotion”.

“By sharing these real experiences and stories first-hand from victim-survivors and experts, this podcast helps to reveal the ugly truth of financial abuse. We hope this helps more people to spot the signs of abuse as well as better understand how to help anyone they care about who could be experiencing it.”

About Next Chapter

To further help support victim-survivors after they leave an abusive relationship, CommBank Next Chapter through its partnership with Good Shepherd has helped to support 10,000 participants with financial abuse recovery.

Through the Financial Independence Hub victim-survivors can access confidential and free support including financial coaching, financial counselling, education on domestic and family violence and partner referrals.

About There’s No Place Like Home

Seasons one and two of There’s No Place Like Home have been awarded both locally and internationally. Most recently, season two was awarded Best Podcast Series at the Mumbrella Publish Awards 2024 while executive producer Sally Spicer was named Journalist of the Year. Season 2 was also recognised on the world stage with a Bronze Award for Best Social Justice Podcast at the New York Festival Radio Awards. 

Weekly episodes will be released from Tuesday March 4 2025. 

Listen to episode one and subscribe on Spotify and Apple 
Visit the official website

More information on Commbank Next Chapter

For interviews please contact:

Sally Spicer – FW Communications Director

E: sally@futurewomen.com 

Cameron Smith joins 100% Footy in 2025

The home of the strongest opinions in NRL from those who count, 100% Footy will be available from 8.45pm for free on Channel 9 and streaming platform 9Now, following Married At First Sight

Smith joins the panel where he’ll square off with Phil Gould and Paul Gallen every week on the biggest news items straight after a huge weekend of footy, steering the ship will be host James Bracey, while 9News journalists Danny Weidler and Michael Chammas, will deliver all the latest breaking NRL news in their popular scuttlebut segment.

The highly decorated Queensland Maroons, Melbourne Storm, and Australian Kangaroos legend, said: “I’m excited to be joining the team on 100% Footy every Monday night, it’s about time we had a Queensland point of view on the show. I know Gus and Gal love to get stuck into it and I won’t be holding back throughout the season. It’s going to be good fun.”

The Sunday Footy Show returns in 2025 with Emma Lawrence to step into the host role. Lawrence will be joined by NRL on Nine expert commentators Andrew JohnsBrad Fittler and Billy Slater in the panel every week of the NRL season from Sunday, March 9.

100% FOOTY 
MONDAY, MARCH 10 FROM 8.45PM
STREAM LIVE AND FREE ON 9NOW, WATCH ON CHANNEL 9

Sunday, March 2, 2025

Danika Mason joins Today as sports presenter and Alison Piotrowski named co-host of Weekend

Nine’s Director of Morning Television, Steven Burling, said: “Danika has filled in many times on Today and has a fantastic rapport with the entire hosting team. We’re pleased to see her bringing a wealth of experience and passion for sports to our viewers.”

Danika Mason said: “I’m truly honoured and so excited to be joining Today. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid, waking up every morning to watch the show as I set my sights on a career in sports broadcasting.

“It’s also a full-circle moment for me at Nine because, just 10 years ago, my first-ever job at the network was producing sport for Today.

“I’m also very grateful that I’ll still be working with the Wide World of Sports crew on the footy every week throughout the NRL season.”

Since joining Nine in 2012, Mason has covered some of the country’s biggest sporting events, from sideline reporting at major NRL fixtures to covering State of Origin, Grand Finals and the Australian Open. Her strong industry connections and keen analysis have made her one of Australia’s most trusted sports journalists.

She will continue to be based at Nine’s Sydney headquarters, delivering live sports coverage each morning on Today from next week, while maintaining her commentary role on Nine’s live NRL coverage.

And award-winning journalist and former US Correspondent Alison Piotrowski has been appointed the new co-host of Weekend Today, joining Clint Stanaway, Lizzie Pearl and Dan Anstey on the desk.

With a career spanning major global events and hard-hitting investigations, Piotrowski brings another journalistic edge to Weekend mornings.

Steven Burling, said: “From reporting on A Current Affair to anchoring 9Network’s coverage during the recent US election campaign, Alison Piotrowski is one of the network’s most capable and experienced broadcasters. 

“As we’ve seen over the past six weeks on Weekend Today, Alison is a natural and warm host with tremendous energy. I’m looking forward to seeing her bring that energy to the team alongside Clint, Lizzie and Dan.”

Alison Piotrowski said: “After four years of crossing to the show from weird time zones across North America, it feels surreal to be waking up with Weekend Today back home in Australia. It’s an honour, and I can’t wait for the year ahead. As a foreign correspondent and a mum, I’m thankfully already used to early wake-ups and lots of black coffee.

“Clint is the ultimate all-rounder and one of the hardest-working guys in our industry. He’s spontaneous, witty, and a great journo—I look forward to juggling the crazy world of breakfast TV with him.”

As Channel 9’s former US Correspondent, Piotrowski covered some of the biggest international stories of recent years, from Donald Trump’s legal battles and historic indictments to the first criminal trial of a former US president. She was on the ground in Israel following the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks, in Mexico investigating the tragic deaths of Australian surfers Callum and Jake Robinson, and reported live from the steps of the US Supreme Court as the Roe v. Wade abortion ruling was overturned.

For further information, please contact:
Alex Dyer
alex.dyer@nine.com.au
Today Publicist, 9Network

Friday, February 28, 2025

NRL on Nine season kick-off live and free from Las Vegas

BROADCAST SCHEDULE 
Sunday March 2 – (All times AEDT)

7.00am – Today with Karl Stefanovic Live in Las Vegas
10.00am – Wide World of Sports


NRL 2025 Season Preview
Sydney/Melbourne AEDT      11.00am LIVE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Brisbane AEST                      10.00am LIVE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now

Women’s International: Australian Jillaroos v England
Sydney/Melbourne AEDT      1.00pm LIVE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Brisbane AEST                      12.00pm LIVE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Perth                                      10.00am LIVE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now   
Adelaide                                12.30pm LIVE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now

NRL: Panthers v Sharks
Sydney/Melbourne AEDT      3.00pm LIVE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Brisbane AEST                      2.00pm LIVE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Perth                                      12.00pm LIVE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Adelaide                                 2.30pm LIVE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now

Thursday, February 27, 2025

Aspirational luxury travel supplement ‘Highflyer’ soars higher for second year

The annual 50-page guide seeks to make frequent fliers’ lives easier by curating a “one stop shop” that compares first, business and premium economy offerings across the major airlines as well as guides to aviation and hotel point schemes and news on additional routes in and out of Australia. Highflyer content is also regularly updated on afr.com.

Acclaimed columnist Joe Aston returns with a feature close to his heart – the inflight experience of Qantas. There are also features on ways to fly in a flat bed for less; luxury stopover options and the best culinary offerings in airports. 

With the luxury travel and aviation booming, Highflyer has allowed Nine to strengthen its offering in both sectors. Brands that feature in the magazine include Singapore Airlines as our media sponsor, as well as The InterContinental Sydney and Handpicked wines. 

Amanda Upton, Group Director – Travel & Luxury, Nine Publishing, said: “International travel remains the top consumer purchase priority for the Nine audience, highlighting its significance as a life priority. Last year, Highflyer content resonated strongly with our audience, with 13 out of 15 online stories ranking among the top reads on afr.com

“In 2025, we’re excited to broaden the reach of Highflyer by featuring in our quarterly lifestyle publication, Fin Magazine. Highflyer has been an outstanding commercial success, with the campaign encompassing print, digital, social and integrated event partnership. It has helped make the March issue of AFR Magazine one of the highest revenue generating issues in many years.” 

The edition coincides with an exclusive event at the Aster Rooftop Bar at The Intercontinental Sydney. In partnership with Singapore Airlines, wine partner DMG and The Intercontinental, Highflyer is brought to life in the same way that emulates First Class in Singapore Airlines, including a dedicated KRUG Champagne station, Sydney Rock oysters, jewelled lobster brioche crowned with Shoyu Zuke caviar, and rich Wagyu meatballs.

For further information, please contact:
Adrian Motte
Senior Communications Manager – Trade & Publishing
amotte@nine.com.au

Thursday, February 27, 2025

NRL on Nine in a league of its own – more brands than ever before take advantage of the ultimate marketing platform

With 189 games live and free on the 9Network, including the jewels in the NRL crown – the exclusive men’s and women’s State of Origin and the blockbuster men’s Finals series – as well as an extended NRLW series from 48 to 74 games, Nine’s NRL ecosystem gives brands unparalleled access to a diverse audience at scale. 

NRL on Nine provides brands with an increasing number of platforms to connect with rugby league fans through Nine’s 24/7 content and conversations, including new linear magazine show ‘Freddy & The Eighth’ as well as the iconic Wide World of Sports every Sunday, through to podcasts, 9Now specials and Nine Radio’s WWOS Continuous Call Team.

Nine’s full NRL coverage last year reached a Total TV audience of 16.7 million viewers, with the Men’s State of Origin Series reaching 9.4 million Australians, up 17% YoY across Total TV. The Women’s State of Origin Series Total TV reach was 4.3 million, up 72% YoY as the series went from two to three games.  

Nine’s NRL coverage is underpinned by an ecosystem that is connected and allows advertisers to maximise their campaign execution by weaving it across Australia’s most powerful marketing platform. By utilising Nine’s talent and Wide World of Sports content, all audiences across the ecosystem are delivered in a where, how and when manner allowing brands to engage seamlessly. 

This year will see Ford and Red Bull join returning partners Harvey Norman, Telstra, McDonalds, Westpac, Sportsbet, Youi Insurance, Kia and sponsors Chemist Warehouse, Isuzu UTE and Rexona.

“Over the last five years, WWOS has continued to evolve its unrivalled sport mega marketing platform, with a clear focus on delivering the best-in-class sporting assets and solutions for brands. This year’s new, growing and returning partners across our rugby league assets are again testament to that. The role sport content plays in Australians’ lives continues to evolve and grow. At Nine, we are leading the connection of fans and brands in a way no other media company can,” said Matt Granger, Nine’s Director of Sales – Sport, Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Anne Gruber, Director of Content Partnerships – Sport, Olympic and Paralympic Games, said: “We have evolved our NRL proposition, driving focus on the success and effectiveness of our cross-platform ecosystem partnerships. In 2025, there will be more league content and more opportunities to contextually connect with audiences from February through to November’s Pacific Championships. Brands can leverage the ‘always on’ conversation seven days a week, 24/7 through Broadcast TV and 9Now magazine shows, match day broadcasts, Nine Radio’s Continuous Call team, live blogs, WWOS.com articles and NRL on Nine social content. In essence, it’s a 10 month marketing campaign across every touchpoint of Nine’s suite of assets.” 

The 9Network’s NRL season kicks off this Sunday, March 2 with two huge games from Las Vegas, with an international between the Australian Jillaroos v England Women, and the NRL Premiership clash between Cronulla Sharks v Penrith Panthers.

For further information, please contact:
Adrian Motte
Senior Communications Manager – Trade & Publishing
amotte@nine.com.au

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

The Financial Review remains Australia’s most read premium business title

The Total News audience of the Financial Review continues to close the gap on its direct competitor The Australian, narrowing to 597,000 down from 604,000 a year ago. 

Highlighting the strength of the Financial Review’s digital subscription offering, 79% of AFR readers engage with the masthead’s online publication. The masthead recorded a print readership of 903,000 during the last four weeks, while the Monday to Friday print edition recorded an average issue readership of 259,000. 

The AFR Weekend Saturday edition had a 5% quarterly increase with a print readership of 184,000.  

The Australian Financial Review Magazine continues to dominate Australia’s monthly magazine insert figures, with a print readership of 484,000. Fin! Magazine has also seen quarterly and annual growth (4% and 9% respectively) and closing in on Wish. 

Nine’s Total Publishing assets reach a de-duplicated audience of 15.877 million* Australians across print and digital.

The Total News Publishing readership figures are produced by Roy Morgan for ThinkNewsBrands. 

Source: Roy Morgan Research, All People 14+ for the 12 months ending December 2024. All audience data is based on the last 4 weeks averaged over the 12 months to December 2024. *This figure includes: nine.com.au, SMH Print & Digital, The Age Print & Digital, AFR Print & Digital, Brisbane Times, WA Today, Domain Digital, Good Weekend VIC & NSW, Sunday Life VIC & NSW, Domain NIM VIC & NSW, AFR Magazine, Fin! Print Platforms include: SMH Print, The Age Print, AFR Print, Good Weekend VIC & NSW, Sunday Life VIC & NSW, Domain NIM VIC & NSW, AFR Magazine, Fin!

For further information, please contact:
Adrian Motte
Senior Communications Manager – Trade & Publishing
amotte@nine.com.au

Monday, February 24, 2025