Channel 9’s chief footy reporter, Tom Morris, has made a surprising move to rival network Channel 7. The 34-year-old informed Channel 9 on Friday morning that he accepted a lucrative offer from Channel 7, according to Code Sports.
The successful recruitment was led by Channel 7’s head of sport, Chris Jones, and SEN chief Craig Hutchison. Morris will join an already talented footy team on Seven, which recently added Xander McGuire—also from Nine—and maintains Mitch Cleary as the chief footy reporter.
Morris is not expected to take a leading on-air role, but together with Cleary and McGuire, they are anticipated to form a strong trio in the footy coverage.
This move is the latest in a series of successes for Channel 7, which previously attracted Kane Cornes from Nine ahead of the 2024 AFL season.
Morris reportedly decided to switch because Channel 7 holds the broadcast rights for both football and cricket, broadening his coverage opportunities. He had been with Channel 9 since January 2024.
"Seven’s head of sport, Chris Jones and SEN boss Craig Hutchison were behind the successful poaching attempt."
"He has been with Nine since January 2024."
Tom Morris's move to Channel 7 strengthens their sports team, fueled by exclusive broadcast rights, signaling fierce competition in footy media coverage.