Nine welcomed back The AFL Footy Show for another season with sports journalist Craig Hutchison as its new co-host, but it seems a lot of viewers were unimpressed with his debut.
Hutchison was brought in as a replacement for James Brayshaw – who joined Triple M towards the end of last year for its summer cricket broadcast – in an attempt to rejuvenate the show.
He wasn’t long into his debut alongside co-host Rebecca Maddern on The AFL Footy Show before fans took to Twitter and Facebook to voice their disapproval of “Hutchy”.
#9AFLFootyShow Givin it every chance!! long time veiwer but struggling with hutchy n bec as main hosts.
— Ritchie Anderson (@RitchAnderson) March 9, 2017
@AFLFootyShow Stick to news breaking Hutchy. What a disjointed experience it was. Time to hang up the gloves people!
— Sam Martin (@sammygmartin74) March 9, 2017
Hutchy a bad choice as JB replacement. No mojo whatsoever. 9 misses another opportunity to blood new talent #9AFLFootyShow
— Alfy Purple (@alfypurple) March 9, 2017
However, it wasn’t all negative reviews for Hutchison on social media.
@AFLFootyShow @craighutchy Well I was wrong…nice work Hutchy and the footyshow!
— Hobo Productions (@realbenlogan) March 9, 2017
Either way, the pressure is on Hutchison to keep his spot on The AFL Footy Show and give the program a well-needed ratings boost.