Bruce McAvaney Returns to AFL Commentary for Grand Finals

One of Australia’s most iconic voices in sports broadcasting, Bruce McAvaney, is set to return to television screens for the final three games of the AFL season. McAvaney, renowned for his comprehensive and engaging football commentary, will take on a hosting role with Channel 7 for this weekend’s preliminary finals and the grand final on September 28.

McAvaney retired from full-time commentating at the end of the 2020 season but will return this Friday when Sydney hosts Port Adelaide. He will be part of the network’s coverage of Saturday night’s preliminary final between Geelong and Brisbane at the MCG, as well as the grand final the following week.

“The 2024 season has turned out to be unpredictable and thrilling,” McAvaney shared. “To have the opportunity to be part of it is a privilege, and I’m incredibly excited to be joining my colleagues in broadcasting the finals on Seven.”

He reminisced about his last involvement in AFL broadcasting during the unique season of 2020, a year marked by COVID-19 lockdowns. Matches were often called remotely from the Channel 7 boardroom in Adelaide, with colleagues in Melbourne. McAvaney expressed his enthusiasm for covering another AFL grand final, reflecting on the 2020 Grand Final held on Cox Plate day, which saw the Tigers achieve their third victory in four seasons and Dusty Martin earning his third Norm Smith Medal.

After stepping away from the game, McAvaney did not anticipate returning to football commentary. However, when asked to take on a hosting role again, he felt excited about the opportunity, especially given the thrilling nature of the current season. With four teams from four different states remaining, a situation not seen since 2005, McAvaney eagerly anticipates the upcoming matches.

Seven West Media Chief Executive Jeff Howard expressed admiration for McAvaney, describing him as “a living legend and the best sports broadcaster of our generation.” He remarked that McAvaney is an integral part of Channel 7 and that the network is honored to have him return for the season’s most significant games.

Joining McAvaney on Channel 7’s esteemed AFL commentary team are Brian Taylor, James Brayshaw, Luke Hodge, Abbey Holmes, and Dale Thomas.