- AFL legend has been living in America for several years
- Was a prominent footy media identity before making move
Nick Riewoldt has revealed that he and his family will return to Australia from the USA after he signed on with Channel Seven as an expert AFL commentator for the the 2025 season and beyond.
The St Kilda legend, 41, walked away from his successful TV career with Fox Sports in 2022 to move his family of five to Houston, Texas, as his wife’s family are from the area.
Footy fans have missed Riewoldt’s insight and personality, with the former gun forward striking up strong chemistry with Jonathan Brown, Kath Loughnan and Nathan Buckley.
As a result, speculation over the Saints great’s return date has been rife, and he can now confirm that he will be back on TV screens in Australia a few times a week.
‘After living in Cath’s hometown of Houston for two years, working full-time in stadium and event technology with PMY, we are all really looking forward to coming back to Melbourne and joining the Seven family,’ Riewoldt said ahead of his arrival.
‘I’m excited about joining 7AFL and being part of the new vision for the network’s football coverage and programming in 2025 and beyond.
‘Seven has assembled a great team and I cannot wait to get started and working alongside the team in bringing the game directly to footy fans all over Australia.’
Chris Jones, Director of Network Sport, said: ‘We are beyond excited to welcome Nick to the Seven family in 2025.
Footy legend Nick Riewoldt has revealed that he and his family will return to Australia from the USA after being hired by Seven
Riewoldt, 41, relocated to Houston, Texas, with his three sons and wife in 2022
‘Nick is one of the game’s greatest modern-day players and an elite football analyst. He’ll be a perfect addition to our already star-studded team of 7AFL experts, callers, and hosts.
‘As we expand our AFL programming, more opportunities open up for industry talent to join football’s No.1 commentary team, and we can’t wait to see how Nick’s expertise will elevate and complement our already outstanding coverage in 2025.’
The big move in the media landscape comes after both Kane Cornes and Caroline Wilson jumped ship to Seven from Nine.
Riewoldt admitted in October that it would take some hard work to convince his family to go back to Australia, with the quintet loving life in America.
‘They’ve laid it on pretty thick, they’ve laid it on very, very thick,’ Riewoldt said in reference to his family’s love of their new home.
Riewoldt says he’s excited about joining Seven and returning to Australia
Riewoldt made his AFL senior debut in 2001 and played 336 games for St Kilda
His parents have visited from Australia to see their grandchildren for the first time all year.
‘They’ve been able to come over and have a look at the way the boys are living, and it has been a phenomenal year,’ said Riewoldt.
‘Everyone’s integrated really well, the boys have played sport and fit in at school. They’re a bit of a novelty with the Australian accents. It’s been great.’
After making his AFL senior debut in 2001, Riewoldt played 336 games for St Kilda before retiring at the end of the 2017 season.
He booted 718 goals and was a five-time All Australian player.
Premiership success eluded Riewoldt with a Sherrin – but he did play in the 2009 Grand Final against Geelong – plus both deciders in 2010 against Collingwood after the first match at the MCG ended in a draw.
