Legendary Channel 7 reporter and ex-footy star handed emotional gift during live broadcast

Tim Watson gave a moving farewell speech as he ended a glittering 30-year career at 7News, during his final appearance on the channel’s bulletin on Thursday at 6pm.

The former Essendon star, who has also written as a columnist for The Age and appeared on 1116 SEN, received a parting gift from his fellow news presenters.

News anchor Mike Amor presented the 63-year-old with a caricature of himself, which seemed to move the legendary sportscaster.

The portrait, drawn by illustrator Mark Knight, shows Watson running with a football while also holding a 7News microphone at the MCG.

He was wearing a suit and shirt, which were unbuttoned to reveal an Essendon guernsey underneath. In the background the large LED screen of the MCG is visible with the text: ’30 years’.

“That will make my evening,” Watson said ironically, after receiving the beautiful drawing.

“I’ve always wanted to be on a Knight poster.”

Mike Amor also said he was ’emotional’ before adding: ‘Gosh, we’re going to miss you mate’

Watson first started playing for the Bombers in 1977 as a half-forward and went on to score an impressive 307 goals in 282 games for the Bombers in his first spell at the club. He left for the Eagles in 1992 but rejoined Essendon the following season, where he made a further 25 appearances and scored 28 goals.

The three-time premiership winner would join Channel 7 in 1992, initially as a border rider.

Amid his media work, he would also coach St Kilda for two years 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 farewell speech to the viewers in which he thanked the channel and his colleagues for their support during his glittering media career.

“I’ve had the best job for almost 30 years,” Watson said. “I honestly didn’t think I would last long after what can only be described as a humble start to a career as a TV sports host, but someone supported me and I thank them for their patience,” he said.

‘Seven is a great place to work, full of talented, committed and dedicated people who give their best every day. There’s a huge team behind what we do, we just stand for it, and I thank all those people.

‘And finally, it is a privilege that has never escaped me to be invited to your home to deliver your sports news.

“Bec, I know she’ll do great next year next to Mitch and Jane.

His co-anchors presented him with a caricature drawn by illustrator Mark Knight, showing him wearing an Essendon jersey, running with a foot and a microphone.

‘As they say, the show goes on. Thank you and goodbye.’

An emotional Amor said: ‘Gosh, we’re going to miss you mate.’

7News Melbourne director Chris Salter said Watson “leaves Seven as a media legend.”

‘We thank Tim for his professionalism and years of loyal service. The viewers will miss him, and so will the editors.’

Watson had initially revealed he would be leaving the network in November.

Following the announcement, 7News presenter Peter Mitchell said: “Having Tim sit next to me on weekday evenings for so long has been one of the privileges of my job at Seven. Not only is he a Bombers legend, he is truly one of the best people I have ever met.

“Apart from his on-air talent and insights, I’m going to hugely miss our behind-the-scenes banter on such a wide 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 in his new direction.”