Bruce McAvaney return warmly welcomed by footy fans

There was a beloved footy figure back on TV screens on Friday night and it left fans all making the same comments.

Welcome back, Bruce!

They were the three words being repeated across the footy landscape after treasured caller Bruce McAvaney returned to screens for Channel 7’s coverage of the preliminary final between the Swans and Power at the SCG.

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For decades McAvaney was one of the most revered voices in the game, particularly his pairing with fellow favourite and brilliant caller Dennis Cometti.

It was announced during the week that McAvaney, 71, would be returning for the footy coverage of this year’s two preliminary finals and the grand final.

The veteran broadcaster hasn’t called a game of footy on TV since the Covid-impacted 2020 grand final between premiers Richmond and Geelong.

While there was speculation, and even an assumption in some circles, it all meant McAvaney would be calling the game, sadly that is not the case.

Bruce McAvaney making a welcome return to TV screens on Friday night. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

McAvaney hosted the pre-match duties, interviewing the likes of Port coach Ken Hinkley. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Instead, the Olympic caller is hosting the coverage, conducting some pre-match interviews and preview material before handing over to the regular team, led by polarising commentator Brian Taylor and James Brayshaw.

Along with a number of “welcome back Bruce!” comments, a number of footy fans also had the same thought on X when McAvaney was back on TV for a big game.

“Great to see Bruce back on AFL. Hasn’t missed a beat in 4 years. Just wish he was calling,” was one comment.

“Call the game Bruce. We know you want to,” stated another.

“Normality has resumed. Welcome back, Bruce! Ps. Is it too much to get him to call the GF?!” added a third.

While the man known as “BT” has his supporters, including his post-match “Roaming Brian” segment, he has failed to win over the majority of fans since he took over calling duties on the network.

Brian Taylor has failed to win over a number of footy fans. (AAP Image/Julian Smith)

Brilliant duo Dennis Cometti and Bruce McAvaney are among the most revered callers of all time. Supplied: Channel 7

His perceived Victorian bias and an unfortunate trait of getting player names wrong are among the complaints from some fans, with a petition launched in June this year calling for his removal and receiving over 3000 signatures.

A range of footy fans couldn’t resist the opportunity to call for McAvaney to replace the ex-Collingwood and Richmond full forward in the commentary booth.

One begged: “Give us Bruce over BT any day of the week.”

Another quipped: “Quick change the locks and don’t let BT back near a microphone.”

A footy fan declared: “Unfortunately BT is still on seven. So can’t watch.”

Another felt they had come up with the solution, writing: “(Bruce) needs to be permanent, give him all the money to make him stay.”

McAvaney will be at the desk for Friday night’s clash, the Saturday contest between Geelong and Brisbane, plus next week’s grand final at the MCG.

Originally published as Bruce McAvaney return warmly welcomed by footy fans