Gerard Healy to depart On the Couch

AFL commentator Gerard Healy is departing FOX Footy’s On The Couch after some 20 years on air, currently the longest running host of an AFL television show.

Healy has hosted the show since 2002, but will remain part of FOX Footy family commentary on game days.

“While I look forward to remaining part of the FOX Footy team for another couple of seasons, I’ve for some time felt that after twenty years hosting The Couch, it was probably time for a change, both for me and the show,” said Healy.

“In discussions with management at FOX, they were of the same view and I thank them for being so supportive throughout.

“It’s been a great privilege for me to work with so many talented people on The Couch both on and off camera, through two decades where the game has changed more than at any other time in it’s history. Right from the beginning with Mike and Wallsy it was exciting every Monday to learn, identify and explain how the game was evolving, to celebrate its many strengths, to address and debate perceived weaknesses, acknowledge the feats of the great teams, and of course the coaches and the thousands of players that have had the light shone upon them on a Monday night.

“I’m proud of what the program produced over a long period and that after 20 years it was still capable of winning the AFLMA TV show of the year which it did again in 2021. I look forward to it continuing to entertain and educate for decades to come, and yes, I’ll be watching at home on the couch.”

“Gerard Healy won a Brownlow Medal for his efforts on field, in the TV Studio he is just as wonderful and get this – he’s an even better bloke,” said Executive Director of FOX Sports, Steve Crawley.

A refreshed line-up will be announced ahead of the 2022 season.