James Brayshaw leaves Channel Nine, Craig Hutchison to co-host The Footy Show

Hutchison will step into the role alongside Rebecca Maddern, who joined the show this year.

Channel Nine Melbourne managing director Ian Paterson said he was "delighted to welcome Craig to the co-hosting chair".

"He is a first-class media performer and businessman with a proven track record in breaking some of the biggest AFL stories in history. He will be a terrific addition to the program alongside Rebecca.

"We thank James Brayshaw for his contribution for the past 11 years to The Footy Show and the network. We wish him all the best for his future endeavours."

Some Channel Nine regulars did not have an immediate comment on the shock decision.

Shane Crawford and Rebecca Maddern posted nothing about it via social media on Sunday night - but The Footy Show's Twitter account was still promoting clips featuring Brayshaw for a Logie Awards voting campaign.

Brayshaw could not be reached for comment, but was reported to have been "a bit bemused" by the decision, according to his former co-host Sam Newman in an interview with News Corp.

"He's a big boy. He's philosophical about it," Newman said. "A bit bemused but that's between him and his now former employer."

Brayshaw stepped down as chairman at North Melbourne at the end of this season after nine years in the job. Ben Buckley was officially voted in as chairman in October.

Hutchison appears on Channel Nine's Footy Classified, to which Garry Lyon, himself a former co-host of The Footy Show, will return in 2017.

Whether Hutchison will continue as host of the Sunday Footy Show in 2017 is unclear.

Meanwhile, the search to fill Dennis Cometti's calling spot as Seven's AFL commentator appears to be over.

Brian Taylor has reportedly claimed the position, News Corp Australia reports, and will call both Friday night and Sunday afternoons.

Taylor is a polarising figure for football fans with his commentary.