Tim Watson announces he will depart Channel 7 at the end of the year

7NEWS Melbourne sport anchor Tim Watson has announced he will retire from the television at the end of the year.

It brings an end to a 30-year association with Channel 7 after first joining the network in 1992 as a boundary rider.

Watson has been regular special commentator for Seven’s AFL coverage, while he has read the sport news in Melbourne’s flagship 6pm bulletin for the past 11 years.

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He announced his looming departure during Monday night’s bullet.

“I am finishing up in December,” Watson said.

“I will work almost up until Christmas, so it’s been almost 30 years I have been here. I have enjoyed every moment, love working alongside you (Peter Mitchell) but all good things come to an end.”

Anchor Peter Mitchell said “a lot of people will be sad to hear that” before Watson signed off with a trademark joke.

“You know when it’s the right time to move on? When nobody tries to talk you out of it,” he said.

Mitchell added: “It is the end of an era, we wish you well when the time comes.”

Watson will depart Channel 7 at the end of the year. Credit: Supplied

An accomplished media professional, Watson has also hosted regular shows on Melbourne radio station SEN since its first ever show in 2004.

Watson’s transition to the media was seamless after a stunning AFL career with Essendon.

Beginning in 1977, Watson would go on to play 307 games with the club, including a member of the 1984, ‘85 and ‘93 premiership teams.

He retired in 1991, which paved the way for the then 30-year-old to serve as a boundary rider for Channel 7 in 1992.

Watson was a member of the commentary team for the 1992 AFL grand final before being coaxed out of retirement by master coach Kevin Sheedy the following year.

He helped the ‘Baby Bombers’ win the 1993 premiership and played another nine games in 1994 before retiring for good.

His list of accolades includes the Leigh Matthews Trophy for the VFL MVP award in 1989, as well as four club best and fairests.

Post-career, Watson also spent two years as St Kilda coach from 1999-2000.

He returned to Seven as co-host of The Game and in 2002 joined Bruce McAvaney and Caroline Wilson as a member of the Talking Footy team.

Director of 7NEWS Melbourne Chris Salter said “he leaves Seven as a legend of the media.”

“We thank Tim for his professionalism and many years of loyal service. Viewers will miss him, and the newsroom will too.”

7NEWS Melbourne anchor Peter Mitchell added: “Having Tim come in to sit beside me on weeknights for so long has been one of the privileges of my job at Seven. He’s not only a Bombers legend, he really is also one of the finest people I’ve ever met.

“Aside from his on-air talent and insights, I’m going to deeply miss our behind-the-scenes banter about such a diverse 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 with his new direction.”