Award-winning Channel 7 journalist Sharnelle Vella and the Western Bulldogs’ favourite son Bob Murphy are ABC Radio Melbourne’s new Breakfast duo.
The new team promises to serve up a Breakfast packed full of all the big Melbourne stories – from politics to sport – as well as smart conversations and a big side helping of fun.
Sharnelle and Bob will replace Sammy J, who announced yesterday that he is leaving Breakfast after five years in the chair.
Sharnelle Vella has been a regular guest on Melbourne radio. A popular reporter for Channel 7 in Melbourne for the past seven years, she has covered some of the state’s biggest court cases and has been state political reporter since 2020.
Bob Murphy played 312 games for the Western Bulldogs in the AFL. He was appointed captain in 2015. He has previously hosted Drive on 1116 SEN and is a regular columnist in The Age. He has also appeared regularly on ABC Radio Melbourne.
“It’s a privilege to join the ABC and to be able to have a conversation with the city that’s been my home my entire life,” Sharnelle said. “I’m fiercely proud of Melbourne and want to use this opportunity to advocate for Victorians while discussing news and issues that are important to listeners and I look forward to having some fun along the way.”
Bob Murphy is excited to return to Melbourne following a stint with Fremantle Football Club.
“As a young boy, I grew up listening to ABC Breakfast. It was the soundtrack to family life, and all of the laughs and arguments around the kitchen table. Alongside Sharnelle, I can’t wait to add our style to the ongoing choir of ABC Brekky in Melbourne,” Bob said. “I was walking through Fitzroy Gardens when the call came through that Sharnelle and I would be adding our patch to the great quilt of Brekky on ABC. A Melbourne moment I’ll never forget.”
ABC Radio Melbourne Acting Manager Shelley Hadfield is thrilled to welcome Sharnelle and Bob to the team: “Sharnelle and Bob are down-to-earth, relatable and playful. Our audience has already told us they love hearing each of them whenever they’re on the station Sharnelle is a news junkie and she understands what makes this city tick. Bob has long been regarded as the thinking man’s footballer. He has a terrific connection with the audience and a unique take on the world.”