Footy fans who are getting sick and tired of the hours of controversy-magnet AFL coverage on Nine and Seven’s panel shows have been blown away by new commentator Adam Simpson, who takes a very different approach to discussing the game.

The two free-to-air giants have invested heavily in their footy coverage this season, especially in the case of Seven, which is now airing The Agenda Setters, Unfiltered, Extra Time, Sunday Footy Feast, Kane’s Call and The Wash Up.

When you combine that with Nine’s Footy Classified, Sunday Footy Show, and Fox Sports’ AFL 360, On The Couch and AFL tonight, you end up with a huge list of shows that seek to fill their air time with the latest rumours, scandals and outspoken opinions from their hosts.

‘I would say they’re going to be sick of it by halfway through the year,’ Taylor said of AFL supporters.

‘I have no doubt that this is going to wear people out, people’s opinions on footy.’

Former West Coach coast Adam Simpson (pictured) has won over a host of footy fans with his refreshing approach to dissecting the game

Supporters have heaped praise on Simpson after being left unimpressed by the huge amount of controversy-seeking discussion on Channel Seven’s raft of new panel shows

Simpson’s knack for explaining how teams are playing in simple-yet-intelligent terms stands in stark contrast to the sort of commentary they get on Channel Nine’s shows (pictured, Nine’s AFL experts for 2025) 

And judging by the reaction to former West Coast coach Adam Simpson’s switch to commentary, Taylor has been proven right already.

Since being sacked by the Eagles last year, Simpson has excelled at breaking down the way teams play for Fox Sports, and fans can’t get enough of his work.

The former North Melbourne great doesn’t engage in controversial takes like Seven and Nine counterparts Kane Cornes, Caroline Wilson, Eddie McGuire and Tom Morris – he just passes on his deep knowledge of what teams are doing on the field in intelligent, easy-to-digest fashion that gives fans a finer understanding of what they’re watching.

Comments on recent clips of Simpson breaking down footage of how teams use different strategies prove he’s become a favourite with supporters who love his refreshing approach.

‘I would rather watch 2 hours of footy analysis by people like Adam Simpson who know what they’re talking about than self important a**hole nepo baby journalists trying to make themselves famous on a sh***y talk show,’ one wrote.

‘Hook this into my veins. Well done @FOXFOOTY, this is what fans love and what we’ve been starved of. Just give us an hour of this,’ added another.

‘U listen to this guy and listen to @kanecornes ,1knows his stuff and explains it clearly the other just wants to create a headline, pay simmo wat he wants, all class,’ a third commenter wrote.

‘Compare this to that absolute cringefest between Bevo and Morris gee I wonder what footy fans are more interested in,’ said another, referring to the awkward on-air reunion between Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge and reporter Tom Morris on Nine earlier this week after their incredible press conference clash in 2022.

You’ll find plenty of comments like this one on clips of Simpson imparting his deep footy knowledge

Channel Seven star Brian Taylor recently said the big increase in AFL panel shows would leave fans cold – and judging by these sorts of reactions to Simpson’s commentary, he’s right

‘This is what fans want….. less opinions from Journos who haven’t even played the game and more analysis,’ wrote another satisfied supporter.

Other fans joked that Simpson should be hired by struggling teams like Carlton and Essendon so he can share his insights with their players and coaches.

Simpson, 49, struggled at the end of his 11 years with West Coast after guiding the club to a shock grand final appearance in 2015 and victory over Collingwood in the 2018 premiership decider.

Lack of talent in the team’s list and injuries meant they crashed down to the bottom of the ladder in recent years, and the club replaced him with caretaker coach Jarrad Schofield after round 17 last year.

‘You spent a fair bit of time in front of a camera as a senior coach, and I started to build some really good relationships with some of the guys at Fox Footy. You do the Monday nights on AFL 360 with the coaches, [host] Gerard Whateley and the crew, felt like a natural fit,’ he said of his transition to television. 

‘I’m a premiership teammate with [fellow North great] David King … he’s mentored me a little bit throughout this process as well. 

‘The analytical side, I suppose you gravitate towards, rather than the drama and reality TV aspects of sport.’