Dermott Brereton

Dermott Brereton's Biography

After an illustrious career with the Hawthorn Football Club where he played in five premiership sides and represented his State on nine occasions, Dermott has forged a successful career as a television presenter, football commentator, newspaper columnist, and radio host.

Dermott’s playing career saw him play over 200 games mostly for Hawthorn, later playing at Collingwood and Sydney, kicking 464 goals in total over his professional career. Dermott, an icon of the game, is widely regarded as one of the best centre half forwards of all time.

After retiring in 1995, Dermott took on the role as coach of the Australian team for the International Rules Series against Ireland for 2 years.

Throughout Dermott’s illustrious 20 year association at Channel Nine, Dermott hosted and provided special comments for Channel Nine’s Friday Night Football, was a regular  panellist for the AFL Footy Show and was a weekly panellist for Nine’s Sunday Footy show. 

Dermott also had a 2 year stint hosting Channel Seven’s prime time football program, The Game as well as also hosted Sportsworld nationally and played an integral part in Channel Seven’s Sydney 2000 Olympic Games coverage.

In 2007, Dermott joined the cast of the award-winning Channel Nine prime-time travel show Getaway; marking his transition from AFL sport’s personality to national prime-time lifestyle host. Dermott’s versatility on TV has seen him take on several high profile roles. From being Steve Jacobs’ fill in weatherman, to being a presenter on The Today show, to hosting Victoria’s popular travel show Postcards.

Still wearing the sports media personality hat today, Dermott is busy with Foxtel providing match commentary on Foxtel’s Fox Footy channel.  Dermott also continues his activities as a leading football media identity, as one of the key members of SEN radio’s AFL commentary team.

In 2019 Dermott appeared in I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! on the Ten Network.  Post-jungle, Dermott has a come out with a new-found appreciation for life.

Dermott’s success ‘on screen’ is a testament to his warm personality and fun-loving approach to life. He’s the quintessential Aussie ‘larrikin’ with a big heart and love of adventure.

In 2024, he continued his commentary work with Fox Footy and SEN Radio, offering sharp insights and passionate takes on the game’s biggest moments. Off the field, Dermott became a vocal advocate for player welfare, particularly around concussion, urging AFL leadership to safeguard the sport’s future.

His heartfelt speech at the Norm Smith Oration revealed the physical toll of his playing days, sharing candid reflections on chronic pain and mobility challenges—a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by past players. Despite these struggles, Dermott’s love for the game remains undiminished, and his influence as a media personality, mentor, and keynote speaker continues to resonate across generations.

Dermott is also a highly sought-after keynote speaker at corporate and sporting functions, having emceed or spoken at events around the country.

For speaking enquiries contact Helene Greenham directly – helene@platinumspeakers.com.au