He called the games for 42 years...now he’s proving retirement can be just as fulfilling
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Footy fans never expected to see him back in the spotlight like this.
After decades of calling the big games, he’s traded the mic for something far more down-to-earth.
And it’s all tied to a family memory he holds close.
Ray Hadley, the legendary broadcaster who retired in December 2024 after 42 years on air, revealed that he had taken up a surprising role at George’s Fine Meats in Cherrybrook, Sydney.
The 70-year-old, who became a household name through his work with 2GB and Channel Nine, was best known for calling footy matches and hosting shows like The Footy Show and Sky News Australia.
He explained how the job came about, saying: ‘The owner. Wayne is an old neighbour of mine for 20 years.’
Far from the bright lights of TV studios, Hadley said he had been enjoying the new pace of life.
‘I just pack the meat for him. All the old ladies come in and say: “We miss ya Ray!”’ he told shared.
‘I was supposed to play golf today but it was too wet so I came in to help out. I’ve done it before at Xmas when he gets busy. I pack all the hams for him.’
Hadley said the work was not only a chance to support a mate but also a tribute to his late father, who had worked as a butcher.
‘Helping out in the butcher shop with a great old mate is a lot of fun,’ he said.
‘It’s fitting because it makes me reflect on my late dad, who was a butcher.’
Although he stepped away from radio with a strong 13.7 per cent audience share—an increase of 2.5 per cent—Hadley had not cut ties completely, still enjoying occasional work with Sky and Fox.
He added that retirement had given him more time with his grandchildren, something he had relished since signing off the airwaves.
Ray Hadley may have found joy in a butcher’s shop, but he’s never forgotten the career that shaped his life.
Watch his candid reflections in this video and see why he says radio gave him everything.
Source: Youtube/A Current Affair
Stepping into a new role after retirement can be both rewarding and unexpected, as Ray Hadley’s story shows.
But for many, the decision to keep working comes with questions about how it might affect their financial security.
If you’ve ever wondered how extra income ties in with your pension, there’s another story worth exploring.
Read more: Retired but still working? Here’s what you need to know about how it affects your Age Pension
Would you ever consider taking on a job in retirement that connects you back to family memories?
After decades of calling the big games, he’s traded the mic for something far more down-to-earth.
And it’s all tied to a family memory he holds close.
Ray Hadley, the legendary broadcaster who retired in December 2024 after 42 years on air, revealed that he had taken up a surprising role at George’s Fine Meats in Cherrybrook, Sydney.
The 70-year-old, who became a household name through his work with 2GB and Channel Nine, was best known for calling footy matches and hosting shows like The Footy Show and Sky News Australia.
He explained how the job came about, saying: ‘The owner. Wayne is an old neighbour of mine for 20 years.’
Ray Hadley trades microphone for butcher’s apron. Image source: Instagram/ray_hadley
Far from the bright lights of TV studios, Hadley said he had been enjoying the new pace of life.
‘I just pack the meat for him. All the old ladies come in and say: “We miss ya Ray!”’ he told shared.
‘I was supposed to play golf today but it was too wet so I came in to help out. I’ve done it before at Xmas when he gets busy. I pack all the hams for him.’
Hadley said the work was not only a chance to support a mate but also a tribute to his late father, who had worked as a butcher.
‘Helping out in the butcher shop with a great old mate is a lot of fun,’ he said.
‘It’s fitting because it makes me reflect on my late dad, who was a butcher.’
Although he stepped away from radio with a strong 13.7 per cent audience share—an increase of 2.5 per cent—Hadley had not cut ties completely, still enjoying occasional work with Sky and Fox.
He added that retirement had given him more time with his grandchildren, something he had relished since signing off the airwaves.
Ray Hadley may have found joy in a butcher’s shop, but he’s never forgotten the career that shaped his life.
Watch his candid reflections in this video and see why he says radio gave him everything.
Source: Youtube/A Current Affair
Stepping into a new role after retirement can be both rewarding and unexpected, as Ray Hadley’s story shows.
But for many, the decision to keep working comes with questions about how it might affect their financial security.
If you’ve ever wondered how extra income ties in with your pension, there’s another story worth exploring.
Read more: Retired but still working? Here’s what you need to know about how it affects your Age Pension
Would you ever consider taking on a job in retirement that connects you back to family memories?
