Cornes & King land major AFMA gong; Whateley becomes life member

Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) is celebrating another successful showing at the 2026 Australian Football Media Association (AFMA) Awards, with the network's talent and programming recognised among the best in Australian football media.

Leading the honours for SEN were Kane Cornes and David King, with the Fireball duo named joint winners of the prestigious Lou Richards Medal, as well as Crunch Time, which won the prestigious Best Radio Program category.

Presented annually to a former or current league footballer now working in the media, the award recognises the qualities that defined the legacy of Lou Richards, including personality, use of language, humour, care for the game and football knowledge.

As co-hosts of Fireball with Kane and Kingy on SEN, Cornes and King have built one of football media's most compelling partnerships, combining elite analysis, strong opinions and plenty of laughs. Their unique mix of insight, banter and passion for the game has made the program required listening for AFL fans and helped shape discussion across the football landscape.

For the AFMA’s Best Radio Program for 2026 - hosted by Gerard Whateley, Adam Simpson, Ken Hinkley, Tom Morris, Kane Cornes, Luke Hodge and Mark Bickley, and produced by Ben Lyon - Crunch Time was recognised for consistently delivered strong and informed opinion and analysis, balancing sharp interviews with light commentary.

Gerard Whateley also received Life Membership, acknowledging his remarkable career and ongoing contribution to the industry.

The Seven Network’s The Agenda Setters – which is produced by SEN’s television arm, Rainmaker, at the organisation’s Southbank studios – was adjudged Best TV Program for doing exactly what it says on the tin; consistently setting the agenda, bringing in-depth analysis and never missing a beat, when it came to the footy news of the day.

Meanwhile, a host of other SEN talent also received Commendable Mentions.

David King received a Commendable Mention in the category of the evening’s top award, the Alf Brown Award, presented to the overall best media performer, as well as in the Best Opinion/Analysis - Individual category, for his work on Fox Footy.

Other SEN talent who received Commendable Mentions included Bharat Sundaresan in the Best Diversity and Inclusion Presentation category, Tom Morris and Caroline Wilson in the Best News or Feature Reporting by an Individual category, Gerard Whateley in the Best Radio Match Caller category, and Dwayne Russell in the Best TV Match Caller category, for his work on Fox Footy.

SEN Chief Executive, Craig Hutchison, said the awards reflected SEN's commitment to delivering the highest quality AFL coverage and analysis.

"The Lou Richards Medal and Best Radio Program are two of the most respected honours in football media, so to see both recognised for SEN is a terrific result for our team," Hutchison said.

"Kane and Kingy have built a unique program in Fireball that combines genuine football expertise with strong opinions, great chemistry and a sense of fun that resonates with fans. Their recognition reflects the impact they've had on the conversation around the game throughout the season.

"At the same time, Crunch Time continues to set the benchmark for football radio. Gerard, Adam, Ken, Tom, Kane, Luke, Mark and producer Ben Lyon consistently deliver informed discussion, breaking news, analysis and entertainment at the highest level, and this award is thoroughly deserved.

"Both awards are a credit to the outstanding people across our network who work every day to produce the best football coverage in the country."