Long-time Channel 7 reporter and presenter Rebecca Maddern is the new host of the The Footy Show.

Maddern will co-host alongside James Brayshaw.

She fills the seat left empty by Garry Lyon, who is taking leave from media duties to deal with mental health issues following a public fallout with former mate Billy Brownless.

Channel Nine has told News Limited they still hope Lyon will join both Maddern and Brayshaw on the panel in the future.

Maddern, an award-winning journalist, is a passionate football supporter and Geelong’s #1 ticket-holder.

 

So honoured to be announced as @geelongcats No 1. Ticket Holder. It’s a privilege to be offered this position once again. Looking forward to a very exciting 2016 led by the best captain in the AFL @joelselwood14 #gocats

A photo posted by Rebecca Maddern (@rebeccamaddern) on Feb 23, 2016 at 11:10pm PST

She becomes the first female panel member of The Footy Show, which has often been accused of being too ‘blokey’, particularly by main protagonist, Sam Newman.