Channel 7 commentators have poked fun at rival broadcaster Fox Footy’s “awkward” new policy banning commentators from referring to each other by their nicknames.

The directive was quietly introduced this month and quickly noted by discerning fans, becoming a hot topic on radio where talent from both TV networks are colleagues.

And Channel 7 stars couldn’t resist a jab when Thursday night’s broadcast began ahead of the Bulldogs’ clash with the Giants.

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The standard graphic listing the commentators stopped short of full names, instead displaying BT (Brian Taylor), Hame (Hamish McLachlan), Hodgey (Luke Hodge) and Rooey (Nick Riewoldt).

Right before the bounce BT introduced the commentary team using nicknames, although he did slip up on Rooey.

“Good to have Hodgey, Hame, Nick and all the boys here for this one on a Thursday night,” BT said, while the introductions did not go unnoticed by fans.

Kane Cornes broached the Fox directive with SEN co-host and Fox commentator David King on their morning radio show.

“It sounds awkward. I’m sure we’ll get used to it,” he asked.

“But what’s happened? Was this an all-of-staff meeting? Was it a memo?”

King conceded “it was a bit of a shock to the system” to learn what was now required.

“You just get told by your fellow workmates, we’re going with first names,” he said.

“It does sound funny, doesn’t it?

“I would think I was born ‘Kingy’. I don’t know why they wasted their time putting David on my birth certificate.”

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Jason Dunstall said there were “considerations that perhaps we’re being a little bit too in-house” for viewers.

“Please I hope no one ever at Triple M says we can’t use nicknames. Because you are ‘The Chief’ and you always will be in my eyes,” Damian Barrett said.

Garry Lyon felt like he was in trouble with his parents every time he heard his given name.

“I found it highly unusual. I am a nicknamer. I’m a nickname giver and I’m a nickname user,” he said.

“So for me to call Jason Dunstall, Jason, on Friday night was one of the more difficult things I’ve had to do.”