‘It’s been grand’: AFL media icon steps away after 40 years
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Retirements in high-profile careers often leave behind legacies that shape entire industries.
When a respected figure steps away, it’s not just the end of a career—it’s the close of a chapter that has defined excellence and set standards for years.
What happens next reveals the profound impact of their work and the mark they’ve left behind.
The AFL community has bid farewell to veteran football journalist Mark Robinson, who has officially retired after more than 40 years in the industry.
Robinson, known for his long-standing association with the Herald Sun, spent over 25 years covering football and served as News Corp’s chief football writer since 2012.
He also co-hosted AFL 360 on Fox Footy alongside Gerard Whateley, starting with the show’s launch in 2010.
Fox Footy presenter and News Corp journalist Jon Ralph paid tribute to Robinson, tweeting: ‘A brilliant innings. A fearless journo not afraid to tackle the game’s biggest topics through Covid, the Hawks racism drama and the Dons saga. Rarely or ever took a backwards step. Will be sorely missed at the Herald Sun through his news breaking and amazing features.’
Robinson began his career in 1985 as a copy boy at the Bendigo Advertiser before starting a cadetship with the paper.
Herald Sun editor Sam Weir reflected on Robinson’s career, stating: ‘Robbo has been the standard that every other AFL reporter is measured against. His ability to consistently break the biggest stories, coupled with incredible analytical skills across print, digital and broadcast media is unrivalled.’
Glenn McFarlane also expressed admiration, tweeting: ‘Wow, Robbo, what an incredible journey. Tough, fearless news breaker but also one of the best feature writers I’ve seen. You’ve got a lot to be proud about from your amazing career. I’m sure there is plenty more in store for you in the future. Cheers mate.’
During last year’s final episode of AFL 360, Whateley expressed gratitude for Robinson’s contributions, saying: ‘Tonight the big thank you is to Robbo. We’ve shared 15 years at the desk together.’
He continued: ‘We were brought together with almost nothing in common other than footy.
‘In television terms it’s an astonishingly long time to spend together and I’ll always have a sense of gratitude to the almost 1500 shows that we’ve done in partnership together.
‘Robbo, it’s been grand.’
Robinson’s retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in AFL journalism, leaving a legacy of fearless reporting and memorable features.
Will the industry see another journalist with the same fearless approach and storytelling prowess, or has an irreplaceable chapter truly come to an end?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
When a respected figure steps away, it’s not just the end of a career—it’s the close of a chapter that has defined excellence and set standards for years.
What happens next reveals the profound impact of their work and the mark they’ve left behind.
The AFL community has bid farewell to veteran football journalist Mark Robinson, who has officially retired after more than 40 years in the industry.
Robinson, known for his long-standing association with the Herald Sun, spent over 25 years covering football and served as News Corp’s chief football writer since 2012.
He also co-hosted AFL 360 on Fox Footy alongside Gerard Whateley, starting with the show’s launch in 2010.
Fox Footy presenter and News Corp journalist Jon Ralph paid tribute to Robinson, tweeting: ‘A brilliant innings. A fearless journo not afraid to tackle the game’s biggest topics through Covid, the Hawks racism drama and the Dons saga. Rarely or ever took a backwards step. Will be sorely missed at the Herald Sun through his news breaking and amazing features.’
Robinson began his career in 1985 as a copy boy at the Bendigo Advertiser before starting a cadetship with the paper.
Herald Sun editor Sam Weir reflected on Robinson’s career, stating: ‘Robbo has been the standard that every other AFL reporter is measured against. His ability to consistently break the biggest stories, coupled with incredible analytical skills across print, digital and broadcast media is unrivalled.’
Glenn McFarlane also expressed admiration, tweeting: ‘Wow, Robbo, what an incredible journey. Tough, fearless news breaker but also one of the best feature writers I’ve seen. You’ve got a lot to be proud about from your amazing career. I’m sure there is plenty more in store for you in the future. Cheers mate.’
During last year’s final episode of AFL 360, Whateley expressed gratitude for Robinson’s contributions, saying: ‘Tonight the big thank you is to Robbo. We’ve shared 15 years at the desk together.’
He continued: ‘We were brought together with almost nothing in common other than footy.
‘In television terms it’s an astonishingly long time to spend together and I’ll always have a sense of gratitude to the almost 1500 shows that we’ve done in partnership together.
‘Robbo, it’s been grand.’
Robinson’s retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in AFL journalism, leaving a legacy of fearless reporting and memorable features.
Will the industry see another journalist with the same fearless approach and storytelling prowess, or has an irreplaceable chapter truly come to an end?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
