The lively AFL show that's become a Thursday night viewing ritual is not only changing is timeslot, but presenters!
The Marngrook Footy Show, one of NITV's highest rating programs, is making a bold move to a new permanent timeslot of Wednesday nights at 8.30pm for the 2018 season, starting 21 March.
It also adds additional excitement with some deadly new talent to its panel. Essendon/Sydney legend, Derek Kickett will be joining the program as a new co-host. 
Executive Producer and host of the show, Grant Hansen says The Marngrook Footy Show has come of age and it’s time Indigenous football claimed Wednesday nights as its own.
Noongar man and AFL legend, Derek Kickett joins the Marngrook panel in 2018. Source: NITV
"Marngrook is as relevant as any other football show, with a panel that is representative of those who play and watch the game," Hansen said.
"We always strive to make a family-friendly footy show that champions the important contribution Indigenous Australians make to our great game and I’m looking forward to a new season of footy analysis, player interviews, and conversations with our new panel members alongside legends of the game."
After 10 years as the co-host of the show, Gilbert "Gilly" McAdam has decided to return home to Alice Springs to take up a position at Central Australia Aboriginal Media Association, hosting a radio sports show on the CAAMA network.
"Ten years of living away from your homeland is such a big thing for Indigenous people," Head of NITV Sport, Mark Ella said. "I fully understand why Gilly wanted to return home and we all support his move back to Alice Springs and this exciting next chapter in his career."
"Derek Kickett is an absolute legend of the game – it’ll be great to have a voice from WA, a huge football state," Hansen says.
Marngrook has always included a strong female voice with Leila Gurruwiwi and Shelley Ware central to the show. This season, The Marngrook Footy Show will also include an AFLW player as a permanent panellist. However, the player is yet to be announced.
(L-R) Shelley Ware, Grant Hansen, Lila Gurruwiwi and new co-host Derek Kickett Source: NITV
In 2018, the show will feature leading Indigenous football experts at the big desk, including Shaun Burgoyne, Gavin Wanganeen, Mathew Stokes and Andrew Krakouer. Regulars Rohan Connolly and legends of the game Kevin Bartlett, Peter Daicos, Robert Walls and Doug Hawkins will also be returning for the 2018 season.
NITV’s Head of Sport, Mark Ella said: “After over a decade on screen, Marngrook has a dedicated audience who tune in weekly; this is a testament to the program being a footy show with a difference. The program celebrates and embraces Australia’s diverse multicultural society and aims to be accessible and enjoyed by a wide audience.
“The series recognises the huge contribution made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders throughout the game’s history and also the significant representation of Indigenous players in the present day.”
In 2018, Marngrook will feature new segments, fresh faces, and an updated format making Wednesday nights the home of Indigenous footy. More details about the new season will be announced in the coming weeks…
The Marngrook Footy Show will make the bold move to a new permanent timeslot of Wednesdays 8.30pm, starting 21 March. Episodes will also be available
