James Brayshaw
Early Broadcasting Career
During the 1990s, James Brayshaw worked for the Seven Network in Adelaide. His roles included serving as a substitute sports presenter on the Seven Nightly News bulletin and appearing on local football discussion programs such as Footy Plus.
In early 1998, Brayshaw teamed up with Amanda Blair and Paul Gale on Adelaide radio station SAFM. The breakfast show quickly became the city’s top-rating morning program. One memorable on-air stunt saw Brayshaw covered in Adelaide body paint after his beloved North Melbourne Football Club lost the 1998 AFL Grand Final.
Television Success and the 2000s
In 2001, James Brayshaw received his big break when he hosted the Seven Network’s Ashes cricket coverage alongside former Australian fast bowler Jeff Thomson. He later moved to the Nine Network following changes to AFL broadcasting rights.
At Nine, Brayshaw became the nightly sports presenter for National Nine News while also contributing to a range of sports programs. His popularity continued to grow as he established himself as a regular football and cricket commentator.
In 2005, Brayshaw co-hosted Any Given Sunday with Garry Lyon and Sam Newman, further enhancing his profile in Australian sports broadcasting.
The AFL Footy Show and Triple M
In 2006, James Brayshaw and Garry Lyon replaced Eddie McGuire as hosts of The AFL Footy Show. The role cemented Brayshaw’s reputation as one of Australia’s leading sports broadcasters.
That same year, Brayshaw and Lyon co-hosted the morning sessions of the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games coverage.
Away from television, Brayshaw worked for Triple M as both a radio host and Australian rules football commentator. He was also a full-time co-host of the breakfast program The Cage until it was cancelled in 2007 and replaced by Pete & Myf. Prior to relocating full-time to Melbourne, he regularly broadcast from his home studio in the Adelaide Hills.
Chairman of North Melbourne Football Club
On 6 December 2007, James Brayshaw was appointed Chairman of the North Melbourne Football Club after the club rejected an AFL proposal to permanently relocate to the Gold Coast.
Later that year, Brayshaw announced his departure from The Cage to spend more time with his family. Shortly afterwards, the program was cancelled due to high production costs and declining ratings.
Sunday Footy Show and Wipeout
Brayshaw also hosted The Sunday Footy Show, working alongside panel members Dermott Brereton, Nathan Brown, Shane Crawford and Billy Brownless.
In addition to his sports broadcasting commitments, he co-hosted the Australian version of Wipeout with actor and comedian Josh Lawson.
Olympic Games Commentary
During the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, James Brayshaw provided commentary for several skiing and snowboarding events. He worked alongside Michael Kennedy, a former international moguls skier and Winter Olympics coach, to call the moguls competition.
Brayshaw also teamed up with three-time Australian snowboard champion Jay Onley to provide commentary for the Olympic snowboarding events.
The Rush Hour and Ongoing Media Career
James Brayshaw currently co-hosts The Rush Hour on Triple M Melbourne with Billy Brownless. The popular drive-time program airs on weekdays and remains one of Melbourne’s leading sports radio shows.
In 2011, Brayshaw stepped down from The Sunday Footy Show and was replaced by former Australian cricketer Simon O’Donnell.
He also contributed commentary during the 2012 London Olympic Games, which were broadcast by both the Nine Network and Foxtel.
Cricket and Golf Coverage
In addition to AFL broadcasting, James Brayshaw has played a significant role in Nine Network’s cricket and golf coverage. His versatility across multiple sports and media platforms has made him one of Australia’s most recognisable sports presenters and commentators.
James Brayshaw’s Legacy
From his beginnings in Adelaide television and radio to becoming a respected AFL commentator, television host, radio personality and football club chairman, James Brayshaw has built an impressive career in Australian sport and media. His contribution to football, cricket, Olympic broadcasting and sports entertainment continues to make him a prominent figure in the Australian broadcasting industry.
