‘Can’t wait’: Legendary broadcaster Bruce McAvaney announces shock return to Channel 7’s AFL coverage
Bruce McAvaney has shown he still has what it takes but Wednesday’s announcement came as a huge surprise.
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Legendary broadcaster Bruce McAvaney has been locked into the Channel 7 AFL commentary box for the 2025 season.
On Wednesday the network announced the Australian Football Hall of Famer and Sport Australia Hall of Fame inductee will host Seven’s AFL coverage on Sunday nights and for marquee matches.
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McAvaney first appeared on the AFL commentary in 1990 and has called more than 1000 AFL games, 20 AFL grand finals and hosted 21 Brownlow Medals, making him one of the most recognisable faces and voices in all of Aussie media.
The 71-year-old called his last AFL game for the network in February 2021, as he announced his retirement.
However, much to the delight of Aussies, McAvaney made a cameo appearance in the 2024 AFL finals, sparking rumours he may return full-time in 2025.
The cameo helped grow McAvaney’s confidence that he could do it again as he voiced his desire to return.
“The opener was not a problem and I ummed and aahed for a few days, went and had a chat with them, and they asked me to do the Prelims and the finals, and I loved it. I really enjoyed it,” McAvaney told SEN after the grand final.
“I hadn’t done it for four years, and when you’re not working at something like that, you still follow it, but it’s a very different knowledge and different IQ that you need to have,” McAvaney said.
“I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to hold my end up, but I enjoyed it and loved it, so I’ve just got to have a think.
“I’m 71 and my health is going well … so I hope I’m involved, but it’s still to be worked out. We’re going to have these discussions in the next week or two.”
And on Wednesday it was confirmed that McAvaney would return to the mic for the AFL season.
And the legendary broadcaster said he is excited to be behind the mic again for the 2025 AFL season.
“I’ve always had a deep passion for the game, but returning to the 7AFL team for the 2024 finals series reminded me just how much I love being part of it. I can’t wait to be back alongside Seven’s outstanding football team in a hosting role for the 2025 season,” McAvaney said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Some of my fondest memories have been in Seven’s AFL commentary box, and I can’t wait to witness more unforgettable moments during the 2025 season.”
Seven’s Head of AFL and Sport Innovation Gary O’Keeffe described McAvaney as a “living legend in sports and AFL broadcasting”.
Another Aussie footy living legend Leigh Matthews, meanwhile, has signed up to join Fox Footy’s star-studded commentary line up in 2025.
The Foxtel network has been active in snapping up highly regarded commentators, including Tom Hawkins and Shaun Burgoyne — after Seven sensationally shook up the footy media industry with it’s beefed up football coverage plans for 2025.
Fox Footy is loaded up with some of the biggest names in AFL media, including Jonathan Brown, Nathan Buckley and Gary Lyon.
2025 is the first time Seven and Fox Footy will have separate commentary teams calling the action from siren to siren.
Originally published as ‘Can’t wait’: Legendary broadcaster Bruce McAvaney announces shock return to Channel 7’s AFL coverage
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