The Seven Network has once again cemented its position as the home of footy, claiming multiple honours at the 2026 Australian Football Media Awards (AFMA), including recognition for The Agenda Setters and 7NEWS chief football reporter Mitch Cleary.
Announced on Tuesday night at the annual ceremony at Marvel Stadium, Seven’s popular hard-hitting AFL news program, The Agenda Setters claimed the prestigious Best Television Program award, in the program’s second year on air.
Following an expansion to three nights on air in 2026, it’s been another strong year for the show, with total audience up 29 per cent year-on-year, including a 21 per cent increase in broadcast audiences, while streaming audiences have doubled on 7plus.
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Also recognised with a commendable mention for Best Television Program was Seven’s The Front Bar – which took home the award in 2023.
Recognised for his efforts in breaking the news regarding the arrest of Hawthorn players Dylan Moore and Connor McDonald in the United States, Cleary won the AFMA for Best News or Feature Reporting by an Individual, for the second consecutive year.
Selected by the judging panel for his excellent reporting of the complex story, while also interviewing Moore on camera to describe the incident, Cleary was applauded for his news breaking ability, accuracy and depth of reporting.
Southern Cross Media Group Director of Sport – TV, Audio and Streaming, Chris Jones, said: “2026 delivered no shortage of major AFL stories, and The Agenda Setters was again at the forefront – often breaking the news that shaped the AFL conversation.
“In only its second year on air, our outstanding team, both on screen and behind the scenes, delivered exactly what we set out to achieve when we created the show – setting the AFL agenda each and every week of the season.
“I congratulate the entire The Agenda Setters team, led by Head of AFL and Sport Innovation Gary O’Keeffe, alongside our brilliant production team of Joel Brooks, Julian de Stoop, Jacqui Reed and Eddy Cornes, and our unrivalled on-air line-up of Caroline Wilson, Kane Cornes, Craig Hutchison, Nick Riewoldt, Luke Hodge, Dale Thomas, Mitch Cleary and Tom Morris.
“We also thank our valued production partners at Rainmaker, whose contribution has been integral to the continued success of the program.”
7NEWS Melbourne Director of News Chris Salter praised Cleary as “one of the game’s most respected news breakers.”
“It’s no surprise to see him recognised for his world class reporting for the second-year running,” he said.
“The care and sensitivity Mitch brought to such a delicate story was reflected in Dylan Moore’s willingness to sit down with him and speak so candidly.
“The raw, emotional and honest chat was a powerful example of Mitch’s ability to handle difficult subjects with integrity and speaks volumes about the trust and respect he has earned from players across the competition.”
7AFL Expert Commentator Dale Thomas was also recognised with a commendable mention for the Lou Richards Medal, while The Agenda Setters panellist, Caroline Wilson and 7NEWS’ Tom Morris received a commendable mention for Best News or Feature Reporting by an Individual.
