TV Footy wars heat up as Footy Classified switches nights; Eddie McGuire; Kane Cornes; James Hird

As reported by this masthead, former Adelaide Crows captain Rory Sloane is weighing up an offer to replace Cornes on the Monday night edition of Classified. Industry sources who did not wish to comment publicly because of commercial sensitivities said former West Coast Eagles coach Adam Simpson had also been in the frame to replace Cornes.

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The Nine spokesman said the panel for the Monday night Classified was still being worked through. Nine’s chief football reporter, Tom Morris, is the frontrunner to replace Wilson, according to industry sources.

Fox Footy is also working through its new-look AFL 360 program, after journalist Mark Robinson was axed. Melbourne great Garry Lyon, a long-time prominent commentator, has been approached to replace Robinson. Should Lyon leave, a new host for On the Couch will need to be found. Former St Kilda star Leigh Montagna had been considered for the role, an industry source who did not wish to be named, said.

Hird is a proven media performer, having spent several years on The Footy Show when he was playing with Essendon, and on Fox Footy’s On the Couch before he became Bombers’ coach.