Former newsreader Rebecca Maddern has been announced as the new co-host of Channel Nine’s The Footy Show.

The show, centring around AFL football, has not had a permanent female member in its 21-year run and has often been criticised for being ‘blokey’ and even sexist.

Maddern, who spent 13 years at Channel Seven in news and is the number one ticket holder at the Geelong Cats, said she was excited to be joining a show that perfectly combined her interests.

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“I expect people will be keeping a close eye on me in the first few weeks but that will die down and they will readily accept me,” she said.

“It is terrific for women to be involved in all levels of football and this (co-hosting the Footy Show) is just an extension of that.”

Maddern replaces long-time host Garry Lyon, who earlier this year took a sabbatical after it was revealed his was struggling with depression.

Lyon was also revealed to have had an affair with fellow co-host and best friend Billy Brownless’ ex-wife, a saga that culminated in an emotional conversation between Sam Newman and Brownless on the first show of the season.

But the show emphasised that Lyon still remained involved in the show, despite not having a return date.

“Garry remains an important part of the line-up and is extremely supportive of Rebecca’s appointment,” Channel Nine Melbourne’s managing director Ian Paterson said.

Maddern will join Sam Newman, Billy Brownless and James Brayshaw on the show, which airs every Thursday night during the footy season.