AFL fan favourite commentator makes shock return

Sayantan Guha

AFL fan favourite commentator makes shock return image

Billy Brownless is set to make an unexpected return to television next month, joining Channel 7’s commentary team for the Victoria vs All Stars Legends Game on August 28.

The 58-year-old Geelong favourite, who became a household name on Channel 9’s Footy Show, will share the booth with some familiar footy figures, Robert ‘Dipper’ DiPierdomenico, Brian Taylor, Matthew Richardson, Rebecca Maddern and Andy Maher, during the match rebranded in support of prostate cancer awareness.

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It marks Brownless’ most significant TV appearance since his 2021 departure from The Footy Show, having largely confined himself to radio duties with Triple M’s The Rush Hour with JB & Billy.

From viral mischief to broadcast return

Brownless' return comes on the heels of a cheeky social media moment that left his family speechless. 

While holidaying in Western Australia with partner Crystle Fleur, Brownless posted a skinny-dipping snap from a pool in Broome that quickly went viral - though, as he later revealed to the Herald Sun, the upload wasn’t his doing.

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“She thought it was fun. I was just paddling around in the pool... She knows how to post off my account. 120,000 views, the punters loved it,” Brownless said.

His daughter Ruby, however, was less than thrilled: “Ruby is the most outspoken; she rang me. She said ‘dad, you’re a d**khead’.”

Sayantan Guha

Sayantan Guha is a content producer for The Sporting News working across English-language editions.