Seven Poaches AFL Reporter Tom Morris
Seven has signed Nine’s chief AFL reporter Tom Morris after two years with the broadcaster. According to the Herald Sun, Morris informed Nine on Friday morning following a lucrative offer from Seven’s head of sport Chris Jones and SEN boss Craig Hutchison.
The move was influenced by Morris’ passion for both football and cricket, as Seven broadcasts both sports. This follows a series of high-profile departures from Nine’s AFL team over the past 18 months, including Kane Cornes, Caroline Wilson, and Craig Hutchison.
Morris’ contract with Nine officially ends on December 31. Previously, Morris faced career challenges after being dismissed from Fox Footy and was largely absent from the media scene for a year or two before joining Nine. His move to Seven has sparked mixed reactions among fans, with some criticizing his past controversies and the quality of Seven's AFL commentary team.
"Their team is getting worse not better. I would love to find out what the percentage of ex Nine staff is on the Seven payroll. It’s all very incestuous (for want of a better word)."
"He is the worst AFL journo out there."
Despite the criticism, Seven continues to attract talent from Nine, though some argue their AFL coverage has declined as a result.
Summary
Tom Morris’s switch from Nine to Seven highlights ongoing shifts in AFL broadcasting talent, driven by personal interests and competitive offers amid mixed fan reception.