The FOX FOOTY Network has announced that Channel Nine’s Gary Lyon (pictured above, left) will join its commentary team in 2018.

The move marks the end of Lyon’s 23-year relationship with Nine, where he was a co-host host of The AFL Footy Show for a number of years before moving to the free-to-air network’s Monday night show Footy Classifieds.

The former AFL player will provide his expert opinion and analysis on game day and across various entertainment shows to Foxtel subscribers on FOX FOOTY.

FOX SPORTS CEO Patrick Delany said: “Garry says it how it is. With over 30 years’ experience playing and commentating AFL, he has a deep understanding of the game that few have.

“One of the sharpest AFL minds in the business, Garry has an innate sense of news, what shapes the game, and a passion for sharing his observations and love of the game, and it’s why we wanted him at FOX FOOTY.

“We are always looking for ways to enhance our coverage and in 2018, the FOX FOOTY commentary team steps up another gear, with superstar Nick Riewoldt recently confirming he will also be joining the FOX FOOTY family next season.”

Commenting on his new role, Lyon said: “I can’t wait to kick-off the 2018 season with my new FOX FOOTY teammates.

I’m looking forward to debating all of the latest footy news with Derm [Brereton] and Jase [Dunstall] and getting a firsthand look at the famous FOX FOOTY Lab.”