Matthew Johns' 4am alarm has finally been put on snooze forever with the talented host officially parting ways with Triple M's Grill Team after eight years on the microphone.
The former NRL star turned presenter revealed the grind of late-night commitments with Fox Sports into early wake-ups for radio became overwhelming, forcing him to prioritise his television career.
It comes a year after Panthers great Mark Geyer left the show for similar reasons, leaving hosts Gus Worland, Emma Freedman and Chris Page to find a new anchor.
Emotions were flying and tributes flowing in Johns' final show, from the show's producers to actor Hugh Jackman all sharing nothing but kind words for Johns.
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But it was Johns' right-hand man Worland who encapsulated the outgoing host's influence not only on the show, but in his personal life as the pair developed a unique bond on and off the microphone.
‘’Matty Johns, without doubt the funniest, most talented, curious man that I have ever worked with,’’ Worland said in a teary salute.
‘’We come from really different backgrounds, we are very different people, we’ve not always seen eye-to-eye but I feel now I can call you a friend and a mate.
‘’Our job is fun and rewarding but it’s not as easy as some people think. You make it look and sound so easy.
‘’You have taught me so much about myself, not all of it positive or happy, but I have learnt lessons that without you I don’t think I would have ever learnt. You’ve taken me out of my bubble.
‘’To spend my working life next to you is simply a gift I treasure each and every day. Your knowledge on history, travel, politics and sport is unrivalled. No one works harder, does more research and truly cares more than you when you are focussed and fired up on a subject.
‘’You have so many layers and many layers I think that most people will never get to see. You don’t let many people inside your inner sanctum, but those that you do let in they adore you and they are fiercely loyal to you.
‘’You have been through so many ups and downs, and it’s a tribute to you and Trish that you have two beautiful boys and you have a loving and caring and honest relationship and that is 20 plus years and getting stronger.
‘’I am truly inspired to be a better entertainer with you by my side. They say that leadership is the ability to turn vision into a reality and that is what you are.
‘’You have brought so much joy to my world, Pagey’s (Chris Page), the whole team here and I will miss you. Thank you.’’
And just like that. It’s the end of an era. I’ll miss all of these people @GrillTeam @TripleMSydney pic.twitter.com/gGE7sRQb8V
— Max Dudley (@iamMaxDudley) December 6, 2018
Johns signed off with a special thank you to the broadcasters for the opportunity that he believes rebuilt his career from the ashes.
‘’When I came to Triple M I had come off the most difficult period in my life,’’ Johns said.
‘’To come here, I rebuilt my career and in some ways rebuilt my life here and for that I am so thankful for what you have given me.
‘’Not only have you guys been good to me, you’ve been great for me.
‘’I want to thank everyone.’’
Johns will continue his role as the face of Fox League, hosting The Late Night with Matty Johns and The Matty Johns Show.
