AFL Media Awards 2022: winners

The 2022 AFMA Awards were announced on Tuesday night, with Seven’s The Front Bar named Best TV Show and 7NEWS’ Ryan Daniels winning Best News Reporting and Matthew Richardson (pictured) named Lou Richards Medal recipient.

The AFMA committee commented: “Just like the legendary Lou Richards, Channel Seven expert commentator Matthew Richardson doesn’t take himself too seriously, but at the same time is highly insightful with his commentary as games unfold. Richo hosted the Friday Night Countdown pregame show, before jumping in the commentary seat for Seven’s Friday Night Footy. His rapport with current day players is a gift and his interview immediately after Lance Franklin’s iconic 1000th goal was a highlight of his year in broadcasting.”

Seven Head of Network Sport, Lewis Martin, said: “On behalf of everyone at Seven, I’m rapt to congratulate Matthew, Ryan and our team at The Front Bar for their worthy recognition at this year’s AFMAs.

“An absolute fan favourite, ‘Richo’ brings incredible insight and personality to Seven’s unrivalled footy broadcast. He has excelled in his new hosting role for the Friday Night Countdown, as well as his Friday Night Footy commitments, and is a worthy recipient of the Lou Richards Medal.

“7NEWS remained at the forefront of breaking AFL news throughout the 2022 season, and it’s fantastic to see 7NEWS Perth’s Ryan Daniels receive well-deserved recognition for his excellent football reporting,” he said.

“The Front Bar brings a refreshing take on the best footy stories of today and yesteryear and the entire team, including Mick, Sam and Andy and the broader production team, thoroughly deserve this recognition.”

FOX Footy picked up three major awards with Dwayne Russell as Best TV Match Caller, while Gerard Whateley took home the ALF Brown Award which is presented to the overall best media performer.

Mark Robinson was inducted as a Life Member To The Australian Football Media Association for his body of work at the Herald Sun and FOX Footy.

Best AFLW program or feature went to Fearless: The Inside Story of the AFLW, by JAM TV.

TV and related winners:

Life Member: Mark Robinson, Herald Sun and FOX Footy

Clinton Grybas Emerging Talent Award: Luca Urso, JAM TV. Commended: Jess Webster, FOX Footy

Lou Richards Medal: Matthew Richardson, Seven. Commended: Nathan Buckley, Fox Footy

Best news of feature reporting: Ryan Daniels, Seven

Best TV program: The Front Bar, Seven. Commended: AFL 360, FOX Footy

Best TV match caller: Dwayne Russell, FOX Footy. Commended: Anthony Hudson, FOX Footy

Best AFLW program or feature: Fearless: The Inside Story of the AFLW, JAM TV