Nathan Templeton: How Sunrise star became a part of one of the AFL’s most successful teams as sports stars mourn his tragic death aged just 44

Channel Seven Sunrise star and sport reporter Nathan Templeton is being mourned after his tragic death on Wednesday – and the Geelong Cats AFL team has been hit particularly hard by the news.

The body of the 44-year-old father-of-two was found on a walking track near the Barwon River in Geelong on Tuesday.

Templeton leaves behind his wife Kate and their two young sons Jack and James.

His family said in a statement on Wednesday: ‘Our hearts are broken for an adoring father and a wonderful friend, who’ll be missed by many’.

Templeton spent six years as the ground announcer and master of ceremonies for the Cats at their home games and made no secret of his love for the club on social media.

He has deep ties to the area, having attended Geelong College private school.

The Cats paid tribute to Templeton shortly after the shocking news broke on Wednesday.

‘We are saddened to hear of Nathan’s passing, he was a loved member of the Geelong family as ground announcer and MC for six years,’ Geelong Cats CEO Steve Hocking said.

‘He brought his love for the Cats and football to his matchday role, and created a great connection with fans with his knowledge, vibrancy and energy.

‘We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Nathan’s children, family and friends at this time.’

The highly regarded reporter gave footy fans a glimpse into his love for the team after they won the 2022 grand final and club great Joel Selwood made headlines around the world by lifting club water boy Sam Moorfoot over the fence to celebrate the victory.

‘I’m @GeelongCats and declare my bias but can honestly say I haven’t met a better human than @joelselwood14. Every time in Cats cafe, he’s chatting to someone having a rough time. The great test for any person is if you do good things when no one is looking and he absolutely does.’

Templeton’s fellow Channel Seven presenter and footy diehard Rebecca Maddern referenced their shared love of the club as she paid tribute on Wednesday.

‘Nathan loved the Geelong Cats as much as me, we went to the same school, worked at the same network … Rest in peace Nathan,’ she wrote.

Sydney Swans footy great Jude Bolton was also left shattered by the star’s death.

Saddened to hear the sudden passing of Nathan Templeton. Thoughts go out to all family, to the Seven crew and his close friends,’ he tweeted.

The 44-year-old regularly covered huge sporting events like the Olympics and AFL grand final, and rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest stars in the world in the process.

He played tennis against Roger Federer, sparred with UFC great Luke Rockhold, and got to know some of the world’s greatest ever swimmers, including Australia’s Ian Thorpe and Olympic record holder Michael Phelps.

Templeton had worked for the Seven Network for more than 12 years, including as the Melbourne correspondent for its breakfast show Sunrise, and in its sports department.

However, he had not been on-air for the show since late 2022 and was working in a behind-the-scenes role last year.