Upset Mark Robinson fails to show up for final episode of AFL 360

Mark Robinson, long-time co-host of Fox Footy’s AFL 360, will not return to the show in 2025, the network has now confirmed. The decision marks the end of Robinson’s 15-year tenure on the program, which has been a staple in the AFL broadcasting landscape.

The news was shared during the program’s season finale, although Robinson himself was notably absent. His long-time co-host, Gerard Whateley, took on the task of informing viewers of the change.

Robinson, who has also served as chief football writer for The Herald-Sun, chose not to appear on the final episode, nor did he provide a statement to the publication regarding his departure.

Despite earlier indications from News Corp that Robinson had made the decision to step down from the show, there is now growing speculation that the move was made for him. The lack of any comment from Robinson has added to this uncertainty.

The programming change comes at a time of significant shifts within AFL broadcasting. Rivals at Channel 7 are also reshuffling their lineup ahead of the new AFL television rights agreement, which begins in 2025. Notably, the network has brought in high-profile recruits, including Caroline Wilson, Kane Cornes, and Craig Hutchison.

During the finale, Whateley expressed gratitude for his partnership with Robinson, reflecting on their long-running collaboration.

“Tonight, the big thank you is to Robbo. We’ve shared 15 years at the desk together. We were brought together with almost nothing in common, other than footy. It’s a passion that bound us to each other, and also bound us to you,” Whateley said.

“In television terms, it’s an astonishingly long time to spend together and I’ll always have the sense of gratitude for the almost 1500 shows that we’ve done in partnership together. Robbo, it’s been grand.”

Meanwhile, Gerard Whateley also moved to reassure viewers regarding his own future with the program saying, “I’ll see you for 360 next year.”. Whateley is also expected to take on a commentary role at Fox Footy in 2025.