Bruce McAvaney’s return to 7’s AFL coverage blows footy fans away

Footy fans far and wide couldn’t contain their excitement when one of the most iconic commentator’s return was unveiled on Monday.

Bruce is back. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

This is some truly delicious news for footy fans to sink their teeth into.

Veteran commentator Bruce McAvaney, 71, is set to pull on the headset and return to the microphone for Channel 7’s AFL coverage.

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The legendary voice of Australian sport will return to the footy airwaves for the first time since the 2020 Grand Final as he takes on hosting duties for the final three matches of the 2024 season.

“The AFL Grand Final is the greatest Saturday in Australian sport,” McAvaney said.

“And when I was asked a couple of weeks ago to be involved in a hosting role, there was a lot to consider. But the overwhelming sentiment was, how exciting it would be to be involved.

“Just think about what’s happened over the weekend – two semi-finals for the ages. (That’s) extraordinary, in a season that’s produced more excitement, more entertainment and more upsets than any in recent memory.

“Look what we’re facing now. Four teams from four states and that hasn’t happened since 2005. Honestly, who knows what’s going to happen in these last three matches for 2024.

“I can’t wait to get to the SCG for Friday when it all starts.”

Bruce is back!

Seven West Media Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Howard was elated to share the news of McAvaney’s grand return.

“Bruce is a living legend and the best sports broadcaster of our generation. He is part of the fabric of Seven and we are honoured that he is returning to our 7AFL coverage for the biggest three games of the season,” he said.

News of McAvaney’s return sent the AFL world into a spin with fans far and wide delighting in the announcement.

SEN’s David Lithgow wrote on X: “The best news.”

One fan wrote: “Thank God the greatest of all time is back to pick up the standard of horrific commentary and special comments.”

A second added: “yes, yes, oh my god yes.”

pic.twitter.com/ZWEzowJUCE

— Craig newitt (@craig_newitt) September 15, 2024

McAvaney will return for Friday night’s first preliminary final blockbuster which will see the Sydney Swans play host to Port Adelaide at the SCG.

The top of the table Swans booked their place in the final four with a thrilling qualifying final win over GWS, while the Power advanced after holding on in a semi-final nailbiter over Hawthorn.

The second preliminary final will see Geelong play host to the Brisbane Lions at the MCG on Saturday.

Brisbane produced a comeback for the ages when they toppled the Giants in their semi-final contest, while the Cats blew the Power off the park in week one to advance.

The AFL Grand Final will take place on September 28 with this weekend’s winners to face off on the biggest stage of all.