Tim Watson gave a touching farewell speech as he signed off on a glittering 30-year career with 7News, during his final appearance on the network’s 6pm bulletin on Thursday.
The former Essendon star, who has also written as a columnist for The Age and appeared on 1116 SEN, was handed a parting gift by his fellow news presenters.
News anchor Mike Amor presented the 63-year-old with a caricature of himself, which appeared to move the legendary sports reporter.
Drawn by illustrator Mark Knight, the portrait showed Watson running with a football while also holding a 7News microphone at the MCG.
He was wearing a suit and shirt, which had been unbuttoned to reveal an Essendon guernsey underneath. In the backdrop, the big LED screen at the MCG is visible and displayed the wording: ’30 years’.
‘That is going to make my night, pun intended,’ Watson said, tongue-in-cheek, after being presented with the brilliant drawing.
‘I’ve always wanted to be on a Knight poster.’
Channel 7 reporter Tim Watson gave an emotional speech during his final live broadcast
Mike Amor also said he was ’emotional’ before adding: ‘Jeez, we’re going to miss ya mate’
Watson first began playing for the Bombers in 1977 as a half-forward, going on to return a whopping 307 goals in 282 appearances for the Bombers in his first spell at the club. He’d leave for the Eagles in 1992 but ended up rejoining Essendon again the following season, making a further 25 appearances, while booting 28 goals.
The three-time premiership winner would go on to join Channel 7 in 1992 initially as a boundary rider.
Amid his media work, he would also go on to spend two years coaching St Kilda between 1999 and 2000, before returning to Seven to work alongside Bruce McAvaney and Caroline Wilson as a member of the Talking Footy team.
During the broadcast, he gave a parting speech to viewers in which he thanked the network and his colleagues for their support during his glittering media career.
‘I have had the best job for nearly 30 years,’ Watson said. ‘I honestly didn’t think I would last very long after what can only be described as a modest start to a TV sports hosting career, but someone backed me and I thank them for their patience,’ he said.
‘Seven has been a great place to work, full of talented, committed, dedicated people who deliver their best every day. There is a huge team behind what we do, we just front it, and I thank all those people.
‘And finally, it is a privilege that has never been lost on me to be invited into your home to deliver your sporting news.
‘Bec, I know she will do a great job alongside Mitch and Jane next year.
His co-anchors presented him with a caricature drawn by illustrator Mark Knight, showing him wearing an Essendon jumper, while running with a footy and a microphone
‘As they say, the show goes on. Thank you and goodbye.’
An emotional Amor stated: ‘Jeez, we’re going to miss ya mate.’
Chris Salter, 7News Melbourne’s director, said Watson ‘leaves Seven as a legend of the media’.
‘We thank Tim for his professionalism and many years of loyal service. Viewers will miss him, and the newsroom will too.’
Watson had initially revealed he’d be leaving the network back in November.
After the announcement, 7News anchor Peter Mitchell said: “Having Tim come in to sit beside me on weeknights for so long has been one of the privileges of my job at Seven. He’s not only a Bombers legend, he really is also one of the finest people I’ve ever met.
“Aside from his on-air talent and insights, I’m going to deeply miss our behind-the-scenes banter about such a diverse range of topics, from footy to Taylor Swift, pizza ovens and toppings, to politics, music and families.
“I wish Tim and his extended family nothing but the best with his new direction.”
