MICK Malthouse has signed with Channel 7 as a new era dawns in football broadcasting.

Seven unveiled a star-studded stable of expert commentators for next season headed by recruits Brian Taylor, Luke Darcy, Cameron Ling, Brett Kirk and Malthouse.

Taylor has defected from Foxtel, while Darcy crosses from Channel 10, which lost the broadcast rights in this year's $1.25 billion race.

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And in coming weeks Channel 9's Eddie McGuire is tipped to become the face of Foxtel's AFL coverage.

Seven will broadcast wall-to-wall footy next season on Friday night, Saturday afternoon, Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.

The station's new signings will join Leigh Matthews, Bruce McAvaney, Dennis Cometti, Tim Watson, Matthew Richardson and Tom Harley.

Perth-based Basil Zemplis and AFL Game Day host Hamish McLachlan will also call matches next year in expanded roles.

Former Swans captain Kirk is the shock appointment, but was considered popular with players and the female demographic.

He got the nod ahead of former Bomber Matthew Lloyd, who has instead joined Nine.

Seven is also planning a new Saturday night panel show similar to Ten's Before the Game.

"This is the start of a new era for AFL on Seven," Melbourne station chief Lewis Martin said.

"We reckon we've got the best AFL commentary team in the business, some giants of the game, and these new additions only make us stronger.

"They're astute, passionate, connected to the game, and they'll give viewers an insight into the footy they won't find anywhere else."

Former Magpie coach Malthouse has signed on for one season, leaving open the option of returning to AFL coaching in 2013.

"I can't wait to get started, to be honest," Malthouse said.

"I understand why teams win and lose, I'm clinical in analysing the game, but now I'll get to do it without worrying about the result.

"And in many respects I'll have a clearer view because I'll be impartial."

Fox will broadcast the remaining five weekly home-and-away fixtures as well as simulcasts of Seven's four matches. It will also reactivate its 24-hour footy channel next year.

warnermi@heraldsun.com.au

Originally published as Mick Malthouse joins Channel 7