ABC Sport has recruited some great new talent with former AFL footballer Tony Armstrong signing on as a presenter/producer from Saturday 6 June.
Armstrong has played with the Adelaide Crows, Sydney Swans and Collingwood and last year became the first Indigenous play-by-play caller on commercial radio.
He takes up a dual role at the ABC, presenting sport on the ABC NEWS channel and on the weekends joining ABC Grandstand.
“I couldn’t be more excited to start with an organisation like the ABC,” Armstrong said.
“Their rich culture and standards will provide me with the perfect setting to take my broadcasting and presenting to the next level.
“I’m grateful to Triple M and in particular Ewan Giles for giving me my start, along with Lee Simon, Brian Taylor, Barry Denner and everyone else who gave me help and tips along the way. I wish them all the best for the future.
“I must also make mention of Andrew Underwood and the AFL Indigenous Broadcast where I cut my teeth and will continue to call in the future.”
ABC NEWS Sports Editor James Coventry said Armstrong would bring a range of skills to the ABC.
“Tony is a versatile media performer who can report, commentate and present,” said Coventry.
“We think he’s one of the rising stars in Australian sports media and are delighted with the appointment.”
Tony Armstrong bio
Tony Armstrong grew up in rural NSW and is a proud Barranbinya man.
He was drafted straight out of school to the Adelaide Crows, then moved to Sydney where he played alongside Adam Goodes, one of the Aboriginal men who inspired him as a child.
After two years with the Swans he transferred to Collingwood where he played out the last seasons of his football career.
In 2019 Tony became the first Indigenous person to call live-action Aussie Rules football on commercial radio, at Triple M in Melbourne.
He also appeared on the Marngrook Footy Show and became a regular panellist on the online panel show the Colour of Your Jumper.
He will continue to host football chat show Yokayi Footy, co-produced by the AFL and NITV, for the rest of the AFL season.
