for 2013. Lou Richards was part of the Sunday Footy Show until the end of 2008, when he left due to illness. However, they continue to pay tribute with "Lou's Handball", a segment where players from opposing teams are pitted against each other in a handball target practice, and "Lou's Showcase", which is a showcase of prizes given to special guests. The segment discontinued at the end of 2013 but returned in 2019. There was controversy on The Sunday Footy Show on 12 August 2007 when former North Melbourne Football Club captain Wayne Carey responded to criticisms from Nathan Thompson by mocking Thompson's well-publicised bout with depression. In addition, on returning from a commercial break, he was heard to make references to "necking himself", to the apparent delight of other members of the Footy Show panel. Carey and the Nine Network were quick to issue an apology over the incident, although no mention was officially made of the "necking himself" comment. In December 2016, it was announced that Tony Jones would return to hosting the show, replacing Hutchison, who moved to the Thursday night show following the departure of James Brayshaw. Additionally, Luke Ball, who replaced Crawford at the end of 2014, also left the show to take on the role of National Umpiring Director at the AFL on a permanent basis; he was replaced by Kane Cornes. In 2019, it was announced that Sam Newman would be returning to the Sunday Footy Show. However, in June 2020, Newman announced that he had officially parted ways with Channel 9 despite making rare appearances on the show. In September 2021, Billy Brownless announced his resignation from the Nine Network after 27 years with the network. See also List of Australian television series List of longest-running Australian television series The Sunday Footy Show (rugby league) References 1993 Australian television series debuts 2000s Australian television series 2010s Australian television series English-language television shows Television shows set in Victoria (Australia) Australian rules football television series Nine's Wide World of Sport Television articles with incorrect naming style