AFL and NITV partner to launch new First Nations led program Inside the Huddle'
10 March, 2026
Media releases
The AFL is pleased to introduce a new weekly program Inside the Huddle to its content offering for the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season as part of the league's continued partnership with National Indigenous Television (NITV).
Launching Wednesday 11 March, the program has been developed in alignment with the AFL's new First Nations Strategy, providing a dedicated platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to share their stories, connection and perspectives from across the game.
Inside the Huddle blends sharp football insight with relaxed conversation, exploring the latest news from the league through a culturally informed lens, and celebrates the rich history and ongoing contribution First Nations players, both past and present, have made to the game.
The show will be hosted by three-time premiership player and Gunditjmara and Wiradjuri man Chris Johnson, alongside Warumungu and Yawuru woman and experienced presenter Megan Waters.
Each week the duo will be joined by rotating co-hosts, including superstars such as Yorta Yorta man Jarman Impey, Kaurna Ngarrindjeri man Chad Wingard, Noongar woman Courtney Ugle and Wiradjuri man Zac Williams alongside many more, to preview the upcoming round and sit down with high-profile guests to yarn about their personal journeys, connection to their culture and career highlights.
Spotlighting First Nations players, emerging talent and the broader impact of the game in communities nationwide, the program aims to amplify First Nations voices while supporting pathways for the next generation across the AFL industry.
AFL General Manager First Nations Engagement and Inclusion Taryn Lee said, Guided by the AFL's First Nations Strategy, it's incredibly important that we have a dedicated First Nations show and strong First Nations voices across our platforms.
Inside the Huddle creates a space to tell First Nations stories, by First Nations people, for First Nations communities, while also sharing the richness of those stories with the broader football community.
First Nations people have shaped the game of Australian Rules Football in so many ways, and we are so pleased to continue our partnership with NITV to provide a platform that celebrates First Nations legacy and highlights emerging voices.
NITV Head of Indigenous Commissioning and Production, and Warlpiri, Warumungu and Arrernte woman Dena Curtis said, Through this partnership with the AFL, Inside the Huddle gives First Nations voices a platform to lead the conversation around the game and the communities that have shaped it.
At NITV, we're proud to bring a uniquely First Nations perspective - celebrating the strength, pride and legacy of our players, and supporting the next generation of emerging talent and new voices both on screen and behind the camera.
With hosts Megan Waters and Chris Johnson bringing insight and energy and Tony Briggs leading as Executive Producer, the show is about more than football - it's about culture, community and the stories at the heart of the game.
Inside the Huddle will be executive produced by Yorta Yorta and Wurundjeri man Tony Briggs from Typecast Entertainment, who will oversee the program's direction while ensuring cultural authenticity and First Nations perspectives are embedded throughout production.
Best known for creating the hit film The Sapphires, Briggs brings more than three decades of experience across the film and television industry, also serving as the executive producer for Yokayi Footy, which aired across AFL and NITV platforms.
Inside the Huddle launches Wednesday 11 March at 10:00pm on NITV and SBS On Demand, AFL.com.au and the AFL Live app.
For a PDF copy of this media release click here.
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AFL and NITV partner to launch new First Nations led program Inside the Huddle' 
