Seven poaches AFL reporter Tom Morris

Seven Poaches AFL Reporter Tom Morris

Tom Morris, Nine’s chief AFL reporter, has been recruited by Seven after two years with Nine. The Herald Sun reports that Morris informed Nine on Friday morning following a lucrative offer from Seven’s head of sport Chris Jones and SEN boss Craig Hutchison.

Morris’s passion for both football and cricket influenced his decision, as Seven broadcasts both sports. This move is part of a recent trend where several AFL talents have left Nine, including Kane Cornes, Caroline Wilson, and Craig Hutchison.

Morris’s contract officially expires on December 31. Previously, his career faced setbacks after being dismissed by Fox Footy, leading to a hiatus of one or two years before returning to the industry.

“Morris informed Nine on Friday morning after Seven’s head of sport Chris Jones and SEN boss Craig Hutchison put forward a lucrative deal.”

“It’s understood Morris’ love of both footy and cricket were behind the move, with Seven broadcasting both sports.”

Public Reactions

Some viewers expressed strong dislike for Morris, citing his controversial history.
Criticism suggests Seven’s AFL commentary team is declining in quality over time.
Questions arose about the high number of former Nine staff now working for Seven, describing it as “incestuous.”
Others argue that Seven is not the worst offender in this regard.

Fan Opinions

“I will turn him off when Tom Morris appears on screen. I don’t think he is a very nice person given that he had history of controversies.”

“7’s AFL commentary team are getting worse with every passing year. He is the worst AFL journo out there.”

“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).”

Industry Context

The movement of staff from Nine to Seven represents an ongoing shift in AFL sports media talent, reflecting competitive recruitment strategies between broadcasters.

Tom Morris’s switch highlights how broadcasters value versatility across multiple sports to strengthen their coverage.

Author’s summary: Tom Morris’s move from Nine to Seven reflects competitive poaching in sports media, driven by broadcasters’ need for versatile talent in AFL and cricket coverage.

TV Tonight | Australia's Leading TV Blog — 2025-11-07