Rex Hunt: Age, Career, Wife, Net Worth & Catchphrases
If you grew up in Australia listening to footy on the radio, you’ve heard the unmistakable voice of Rex Hunt. The man behind the “Yibbida Yibbida” call built a triple-threat career as a 202-game VFL player, legendary broadcaster, and fishing conservationist.
Full Name: Rex James Hunt ·
Born: 7 March 1949 ·
Age: 75 (as of 2024) ·
Height: 191 cm ·
Weight: 97 kg ·
Occupation: TV and radio personality, former AFL player
Quick snapshot
- Born 7 March 1949 in Mentone, Victoria (IMDb biography)
- Played 202 VFL/AFL games for Richmond, Geelong, and St Kilda from 1968 to 1978 (Richmond FC official site)
- Coined the catchphrase “Yibbida Yibbida” during AFL commentary (Wikipedia)
- Married to Lynne since 1972 (IMDb biography)
- Exact net worth – not reliably verified in available sources
- Whether he will return to regular broadcasting
- Details of his early childhood and education
- Started football broadcasting in 1979 (International Speakers Group)
- Retired from AFL commentary after the 2005 season (International Speakers Group)
- Founded the Rex Hunt Futurefish Foundation in 1999 (Saxton Speakers)
- Continues to appear on fishing-related media
- Runs Rex Hunt Fish and Chips business
- No confirmed plans for return to AFL commentary
Ten facts capture the essentials of Rex Hunt’s life, and one pattern emerges: each phase of his career redefined his public identity.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rex James Hunt |
| Born | 7 March 1949 |
| Birthplace | Port Phillip Bay, Australia |
| Height | 191 cm |
| Weight | 97 kg |
| VFL/AFL Teams | Richmond, Geelong |
| Years Active (AFL) | 1968–1977 |
| Occupation | TV/radio personality, fisherman |
| Known For | Catchphrase ‘Yibbida Yibbida’, fishing shows |
| Spouse | Lynne Hunt |
The implication: Hunt’s public persona is a mosaic of sport, broadcast, and lifestyle – each facet drawing a distinct audience.
What has happened to Rex Hunt?
As of 2024, Rex Hunt is alive and active. The 75-year-old former footballer keeps a lower media profile than in his commentary heyday, but he remains a fixture in Australia’s fishing community.
Rex Hunt is alive and pursuing his passion for fishing and conservation. For fans wondering about a return to the microphone, no announcements have been made.
Is Rex Hunt still alive?
Yes. Multiple sources confirm Hunt is alive as of November 2024. He continues to make occasional public appearances and operates a fish-and-chips business.
Recent activities and appearances
- He hosts guided fishing trips through Rex Hunt Fishing Adventures.
- The Rex Hunt Fish and Chips brand operates in Victoria.
- He has not made regular AFL commentary appearances since retiring in 2005.
Distinguishing the two Rex Hunts
There is a separate British diplomat named Sir Rex Hunt (1926–2012), who served as Governor of the Falkland Islands during the 1982 conflict. The Australian Rex Hunt is not related.
The pattern: much online confusion stems from the shared name, but the Aussie footy icon is very much his own man.
What team did Rex Hunt play for?
Rex Hunt played senior VFL/AFL football for Richmond, Geelong, and St Kilda over an 11-season career from 1968 to 1978.
Hunt’s 202-game career at the top level – including two premierships with Richmond – makes him a rare figure who crossed rival clubs and eras.
Richmond Football Club (1968–1973)
- Debuted in 1968 at age 19.
- Member of Richmond’s 1969 and 1973 premiership teams (Richmond FC official site).
- Club leading goal kicker in 1969 (Richmond FC).
Geelong Football Club (1974–1977)
- Transferred to Geelong after the 1973 season.
- Played as a forward and ruckman.
Playing statistics and highlights
- Total VFL games: 202 (according to Richmond FC).
- Goals: 271 (per Saxton Speakers profile)
- Height/weight: 191 cm, 97 kg.
What did Rex Hunt say?
His commentary catchphrases became part of Australian pop culture. The most famous: “Yibbida Yibbida” – a call he used to celebrate a great mark or goal.
“Yibbida Yibbida” originated spontaneously during a 1980s broadcast and stuck. Hunt later trademarked it, and it remains synonymous with his broadcasting style.
The origin of ‘Yibbida Yibbida’
In a 2019 interview, Hunt explained he used the phrase to describe a spectacular mark – “something you can’t describe in words”. It became his signature call on 3AW radio.
Famous calls: ‘That’s a ripper!’
Beyond the catchphrase, Hunt was known for enthusiastic, high-energy commentary. He called more than 2,000 games over his career (Richmond FC).
His style as a commentator
- Began broadcasting in 1979 on radio 3AW (International Speakers Group).
- Known for a “blokey” but affectionate tone.
- Transitioned naturally to fishing shows, where the same enthusiasm carried over.
When did Rex Hunt retire?
Hunt retired from AFL commentary after the 2005 season, ending a 26-year run behind the microphone. He shifted his focus entirely to fishing and conservation.
His 2005 retirement from footy commentary was a clean break – he has not filled in as a guest caller since, despite occasional fan campaigns.
Retirement from AFL commentary in 2005
The decision came as radio rights changed and Hunt felt the time was right. He later said he missed the camaraderie but not the pressure of live broadcasting.
After football career
- Remained in public life through fishing shows and speaking engagements.
- Founded the Rex Hunt Futurefish Foundation in 1999 to promote sustainable fishing (Saxton Speakers).
- Instrumental in a campaign to remove scallop dredge boats from Port Phillip Bay (International Speakers Group).
Current semi-retirement
Now semi-retired, Hunt picks and chooses appearances. He still hosts fishing charters and runs his fish-and-chips brand. A full return to broadcasting is unlikely.
Who is Rex Hunt’s wife?
Rex Hunt married Lynne in 1972, and they have been together ever since. The couple have two children according to IMDb, though Wikipedia lists four – three sons and a daughter.
The discrepancy in reported children highlights how Hunt’s personal life is less documented than his public career. Both sources agree he is a family man.
Marriage to Lynne Hunt
- Wed in 1972 – marriage still intact over 50 years later (IMDb biography).
- Lynne occasionally accompanies him to public events.
Family and children
IMDb reports two children; Wikipedia mentions four. The exact number is uncertain, but Hunt has spoken affectionately about his family in interviews.
Public appearances
The Hunts live in Victoria and keep a relatively private life. Lynne is rarely in the media spotlight.
Timeline of Rex Hunt’s life
- 7 March 1949 – Born in Mentone, Victoria (IMDb biography)
- 1968 – AFL debut for Richmond (Richmond FC official site)
- 1969 – Premiership with Richmond (Richmond FC)
- 1973 – Second premiership with Richmond (Richmond FC)
- 1974 – Transferred to Geelong (Richmond FC)
- 1977 – Last AFL game (Richmond FC)
- 1979 – Began broadcasting career on 3AW (International Speakers Group)
- 1999 – Founded Rex Hunt Futurefish Foundation (Saxton Speakers)
- 2005 – Retired from AFL commentary
- 2010s – Launched fishing shows and fish and chips business
- Present – Active as fishing personality
Clarity check: what we know for sure
Confirmed facts
- Rex Hunt is alive (as of 2024)
- He played for Richmond, Geelong, and St Kilda (Richmond FC)
- He coined the catchphrase “Yibbida Yibbida” (Wikipedia)
- He married Lynne in 1972 (IMDb biography)
- He founded the Futurefish Foundation in 1999 (Saxton Speakers)
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth
- Whether he will return to broadcasting
- Exact number of VFL games (sources list 202 or 208)
- Exact number of children
Quotes from Rex Hunt
“Yibbida Yibbida? It’s just something that came out. I can’t explain it – it’s a feeling. When you see a great mark, you just go ‘Yibbida Yibbida’!”
– Rex Hunt, on the origin of his famous call
Hunt has described fishing as a source of peace and excitement, saying it gave him a second life after football (International Speakers Group).
Reflecting on his dual careers, Hunt has credited footy for giving him everything while noting that fishing provided a second life (Saxton Speakers).
Hunt’s transition from AFL star to fishing advocate shows that reinvention can be as rewarding as the original act. The catch for broadcasters considering a similar move: you need a genuine second passion, not just a brand extension. Hunt’s legacy is built on authentic enthusiasm, not calculated marketing.
archives.bodleian.ox.ac.uk, azero.ado-north.mlga.ek.gov.ng, imdb.com, speakola.com, reddit.com, azquotes.com, reddit.com
His unique path from AFL player to fishing icon is further explored in a detailed biography of Rex Hunt, which details his life after football.
Frequently asked questions
What is Rex Hunt’s net worth?
Exact net worth is not publicly verified. Estimates vary widely, but as a former AFL player and media personality he is believed to be comfortably well-off. No reliable figure is available.
Does Rex Hunt have children?
Yes. IMDb reports two children, while Wikipedia lists four (three sons and one daughter). The exact number is uncertain.
What is Rex Hunt’s official Instagram handle?
He does not maintain a widely known public Instagram account. His fishing ventures are promoted through his business partners.
How did Rex Hunt get into fishing?
He developed a love of fishing from age seven and later turned it into a second career after retiring from footy commentary.
Did Rex Hunt win any awards?
He was awarded AFL Life Membership in 2021 for his contribution to the game. He has not won major broadcasting awards but is widely respected in the industry.
Is Rex Hunt related to James Hunt?
No. James Hunt was a British Formula 1 driver. The two are not related.
What is the meaning of ‘Yibbida Yibbida’?
It is a nonsense phrase Hunt coined spontaneously to describe a breathtaking mark. It has no literal meaning but became his signature call.
Where does Rex Hunt live now?
He resides in Victoria, Australia, and spends much of his time near the coast.
More related posts
What Happened With Jack Ma? Disappearance, Net Worth, Alibaba
Dr. Phil: Life, Career, Health, Family & Net Worth
Ash Brown Hair: Cool-Toned Brunette for Redness & Anti-Aging
Queens Wharf Hotel Newcastle: Pub Menu & Visitor Guide
World Gym Rouse Hill – Hours, Location, Membership Guide
Priscilla Hon: Biography, Ethnicity, Career Highlights & Ranking
Bon Scott Death: Cause, Last Words, Children, and Legacy
Sophie Cunningham: WNBA Stats, Injury, and Relationship Status
